A rapid assessment of worst forms of child labour in the Republic of Iraq
Iraq Child Welfare Commission
Highlights
Children and youth are the majority of Iraq's population. In many international forums, the Iraqi government has confirmed its commitments to mechanisms approved by international conventions and charters for the protection of children's rights, and has made great efforts to create and establish capable national mechanisms to maintain the rights of children and respect their dignity in line with international standards.
This assessment, conducted by Iraqi Al-Amal Association in conjunction with the ministry Division for Combating Child Labour, and funded by UNICEF, was implemented in 5 Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Basra, DhiQar, Najaf, Kirkuk). It contributes to a better understanding of the children who are engaged in work and measures the size of the dangers face to according to criteria and indicators built on scientific foundations. This report can give us a clear insight into the factors and causes that lead families to push their children to engage in work which represents the worst forms of child labour as classified by the convention of child rights and two conventions of the International Labour Organization concerning age determination No. (138) and worst forms of child labour no. (182).
To end these challenges and decrease the impact of the phenomenon, we should work to remedy the dangers, the social and psychological effects left behind them and we must specify our priorities for rehabilitation of children and youth with a focus on treating the root causes, including poverty, social and economic opportunities and limitations. Through this we can better prevent child exploitation and reinforce arrangements to protect them, provide suitable alternatives for them, reintegrate them in the society by good education, skill training, social and economic development in addition to awareness programs. The effectiveness of these measures depends on providing the accessories and their continuity and sustainability on addressing the underlying causes the worst forms of child labour.
