SOCIETY — June 12, 2026
World Day Against Child Labour Highlights Concerns for Children in Afghanistan
UNICEF reports that nearly one-third of children in Afghanistan are engaged in arduous work due to poverty, migrant returns and education restrictions, as the country marks World Day Against Child Labour. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs outlined its support programs for affected children.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with ToloNews — 2 min read
June 12 marks World Day Against Child Labour. UNICEF reports that nearly one-third of children in Afghanistan are engaged in arduous work, with the situation deteriorating due to poverty, migrant returns, and education restrictions especially for girls above the sixth grade.
Charles Nzuki, head of UNICEF in Afghanistan, stated that child labour has affected many children and is worsening based on the organization's statistics and local reports. Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative for Afghanistan, stated that children in Afghanistan should be engaged in education and play instead of work.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has programs including orphanages, support centers, and technical and vocational centers to reduce child labour, according to spokesperson Samiullah Ebrahimi.
Working children in Kabul, such as thirteen-year-old Tareq in a car repair shop and Tohid, report being forced to work due to family unemployment and economic hardship while aspiring to professions like doctor or engineer.
Read the original reporting at ToloNews →
Reliability assessment
Single source but contains multiple on-record, named attributions (Charles Nzuki of UNICEF, Arafat Jamal of UNHCR, Samiullah Ebrahimi of Afghan Ministry of Labour) with specific details, quotes, and context; core event of World Day observance and child labour concerns is directly corroborated by attributed statements
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. ToloNews: "situation of thousands of working children in Afghanistan remains concerning", "this situation is deteriorating", "economic problems have made reaching his dreams difficult" - these phrases add emotional framing and concern to the factual reporting of child labour statistics and statements.
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Society — World Day Against Child Labour, UNICEF, child labour, Afghanistan children, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
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