Unveiling the Hidden Crisis: The Alarming Rise of Child Labor in Iran

Child labor continues to be a critical social issue in Iran, with an alarming estimate of 1.6 to 2 million children engaged in labor across the country. This staggering figure, disclosed by Mohammad Mehdi Seyyed Naseri, a researcher focused on international children’s rights and a university lecturer, underscores the urgency of addressing this growing crisis.

In the capital city of Tehran alone, there are approximately 70,000 working children. Other cities, such as Mashhad and Shiraz, also report high numbers, significantly influenced by immigration patterns, while border provinces suffer from economic poverty and migration. Understanding the complexities of child labor in Iran is essential for developing effective solutions.

Gender Disparities and Vulnerabilities

While official statistics concerning the number of working girls in Iran are scarce, field investigations indicate an alarming trend: the number of girls involved in labor, especially in informal and street jobs, is on the rise. These girls face increased risks of physical and psychological harm compared to their male counterparts. The gendered nature of this issue highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect these vulnerable children.

The Role of Immigration

In Tehran, about 70% of working children are immigrants, with a significant number hailing from Afghanistan. This trend is consistent in other major cities as well. Many of these children, approximately 40% nationwide, are compelled to drop out of school to contribute to their families’ income. The lack of access to education perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability, denying these children the opportunity for a brighter future.

Psychological and Social Impacts

The harsh realities of child labor have detrimental effects on mental health. Working children are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. They frequently experience lower self-esteem and heightened feelings of insecurity compared to their peers.

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice and Criminal Policy of Iran revealed that working children are approximately 2.5 times more likely to engage in delinquent behavior as adults compared to their non-working counterparts. The study attributes this alarming trend to various factors, including:

• Poverty
• Lack of job skills
• Exposure to violence during childhood

These adverse conditions often drive children toward illegal activities, such as theft or trafficking, further exacerbated by the absence of social support and rehabilitation programs.

Institutional Challenges and Civil Society Efforts

The Iranian Welfare Organization is officially responsible for addressing child labor; however, its initiatives are hindered by inadequate funding and structural inefficiencies. Seyyed Naseri expressed concern, stating, “Even if the Welfare Organization’s budget were increased a hundredfold, it still wouldn’t suffice.” Despite having three governmental institutions tasked with combatting child labor, systemic failures have rendered their efforts largely ineffective.

Civil society organizations have stepped in to address the gaps left by the government. Nevertheless, in recent years, many children’s rights activists have faced arrests, lawsuits, and heavy sentences, further stifling efforts to tackle this critical issue. Numerous prominent activists remain imprisoned or engaged in legal battles, reflecting a restrictive environment for advocacy work in Iran.

Economic Realities and the Education Gap

The harsh economic conditions compel many families to rely on their children’s income for survival. The vice president of social emergency services at the Welfare Organization recently acknowledged that some families have no viable means of livelihood other than child labor.

In June 2024, the regime-affiliated Mehr News Agency reported that at least 3.2 million children in Iran are excluded from the education system. According to findings from the Majlis Research Center, the estimated number of working children ranges from 1.6 to 2.1 million, alongside 3.5 million marginalized children and over 700,000 migrant and refugee children.

Addressing child labor in Iran requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government action, community support, and international cooperation. Collaborative efforts must focus on improving educational access, providing economic alternatives for families, and ensuring the protection of children’s rights. By taking comprehensive measures, it is possible to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability that traps millions of children in labor, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.