Iraq ranks fourth in the Arab world for child labor, with 4.9% of children engaged in labor, primarily in low-income sectors. Economic strife, rooted in high unemployment and poverty, worsens the situation. Child begging has surged, involving significant risks from criminal networks. Urgent reforms are needed to protect these children and dismantle exploitation.
In the Arab world, Iraq stands alarmingly high in child labor statistics, ranking fourth behind Yemen, Sudan, and Egypt. This revelation comes from the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, which highlights that 4.9% of Iraqi children are involved in labor, primarily in industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. Economic hardship, characterized by reduced family incomes, high unemployment, and pervasive poverty, fuels this distressing situation. Al-Gharawi, the center’s head, emphasizes that Iraq’s tumultuous history of conflict, domestic violence, and inadequate child protection laws further exacerbates the issue. He particularly notes the rising trend of child begging across the country, which is an exploitative form of child labor. Al-Gharawi observes that 57% of these young beggars are boys and 33% are girls, often accompanied by relatives or criminal syndicates. These children are at risk of kidnapping, exploitation, and trafficking, with organized crime networks profiting significantly from orchestrated begging operations that may involve foreign and Arab children. “These criminal operations are now generating substantial profits for organized crime groups, posing significant social, economic, and cultural risks to Iraqi society and damaging the country’s image,” Al-Gharawi warns. He urges the Iraqi government to take decisive action against these networks, suggesting that they be classified under anti-terrorism laws. Furthermore, he advocates for placing child beggars into shelters or youth centers where they can receive necessary support, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms to deter exploitation and foster real employment opportunities for families.
The issue of child labor is a pressing concern in Iraq, exacerbated by economic struggles and high rates of poverty and unemployment. With a history of conflict and displacement, children often find themselves in vulnerable situations, leading to increased instances of exploitation, particularly in begging. The lack of effective child protection laws and the influence of organized crime networks complicate the landscape, challenging both children’s safety and their futures.
The stark reality of child labor in Iraq, particularly the surge in child begging, calls for urgent action from the government. As highlighted by Al-Gharawi, the intersection of economic hardship and insufficient protective measures creates a harmful environment for children. To safeguard the future of these young individuals, robust measures must be implemented to dismantle exploitation networks and foster genuine opportunities for families in need.
Original Source: shafaq.com
