UN Calls for Decent Jobs for Adults to End Child Labor in Afghanistan

The United Nations has urged greater efforts to create decent jobs for adults in Afghanistan as a key step toward ending child labor. The appeal was made on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour.

According to the UN, poverty is the main factor driving millions of children into work in markets, farms, mines, and on the streets. The organization pointed out that economic hardship has pushed increasing numbers of children out of school and into labor.

Arafat Jamal, the UN's acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, emphasized the need to protect family dignity by ensuring stable incomes. This approach, he said, would lessen the dependence on children contributing to household earnings.

Jamal stated that children should be able to learn, play, and develop in safe and healthy environments. He noted that girls who are barred from attending school are particularly vulnerable to exploitation under current economic conditions.

The UN stressed that addressing child labor requires joint action by authorities, humanitarian aid organizations, and local communities. Such cooperation is necessary to improve access to education and provide adequate protection for children.

The statement underscores the link between adult employment opportunities and the reduction of child labor practices. By focusing on family support systems, the UN aims to create conditions where children are not forced to work to support their households.