Rising Child Labor in Kabul Sparks Calls for Educational and Economic Support

The growing presence of child laborers on the streets and in markets across Kabul has drawn attention to worsening economic conditions and limited access to formal education. Children and residents report that minors are increasingly spending long hours working instead of attending school, driven by severe household poverty and a shortage of stable employment opportunities for adults.

In neighborhoods including the Qargha district, young workers have stated that financial necessity forces them into street labor to support their families. Local residents have echoed these concerns, publicly urging authorities to intervene by expanding educational access and creating viable economic alternatives for vulnerable households. Advocates warn that the continued reliance on child labor poses long-term risks to social development and public welfare.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has previously expressed support for initiatives aimed at assisting working children and protecting their rights. However, the ministry has not issued recent public statements addressing the current surge in street labor, despite earlier commitments to address the issue. Officials and community members continue to call for coordinated efforts to reintegrate these children into the education system while providing sustainable livelihoods for their families.

As economic pressures persist, the visibility of minors engaged in informal work remains a focal point for local discussions on poverty alleviation and social policy. Residents emphasize that without targeted government action and expanded schooling programs, the cycle of child labor is likely to continue affecting Kabul’s most vulnerable communities.