Kabul — On the occasion of 12 June, the World Day Against Child Labour, Afghanistan Organization Women Arise (AOWA) reaffirms every child’s right to education, protection, health, and a dignified life, and calls for strengthened efforts to protect children from hazardous work and economic exploitation.
Children are valuable assets of every society and the builders of a nation’s future. Childhood should be a time for learning, growth, play, and the development of talents and potential. Unfortunately, millions of children around the world, including many in Afghanistan, are compelled by poverty, economic hardship, displacement, humanitarian crises, and social challenges to engage in work that threatens their well-being, development, and future.
Child labour not only deprives children of education and opportunities for personal growth, but also contributes to the continuation of poverty, inequality, and social challenges within communities. Children who are excluded from education and forced into difficult working conditions are more vulnerable to exploitation, violence, deprivation, and physical and psychological harm.
In recent years, Afghanistan has faced significant economic difficulties, limited livelihood opportunities, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. These conditions have placed increasing pressure on families and, in some cases, have pushed children into the labour market. Addressing child labour requires serious attention to its root causes, particularly poverty, unemployment, lack of access to education, and inadequate social protection mechanisms.
Islamic teachings also emphasize the protection of human dignity, the care of children, and the fulfillment of their rights. Islam regards children as a trust from Allah and recognizes society’s responsibility to ensure their protection, education, and healthy development.
Afghanistan Organization Women Arise (AOWA) believes that investing in education, supporting vulnerable families, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and ensuring the rights of children are among the most effective ways to reduce child labour and build a better future for the next generation.
On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, AOWA calls upon government institutions, national and international organizations, community leaders, families, and all citizens to strengthen their efforts to protect children’s rights, expand educational opportunities, and create safe and supportive environments for all children.
Every child has the right to learn, grow, and enjoy a bright future—not to lose their childhood to hardship and forced labour.
Afghanistan Organization Women Arise (AOWA)
