On the eve of World Day Against Child Labor, a member of the Tehran City Council has reported an increase in the number of child laborers and street children across the country, particularly in Tehran. Sudeh Najafi, a member of the council's board, claimed based on what she called 'unofficial statistics' that there are between '14,000 to 70,000 street children' nationwide. According to domestic media, Najafi stated in a session on Sunday, June 11, that one of the existing problems in Tehran is the presence of working and street children, which has arisen due to 'multiple abuses,' leading these individuals to suffer from 'physical, mental, and psychological problems.' Najafi emphasized the 'lack of attention to addressing the problems and challenges of working and street children,' noting that we are witnessing an 'increase in the number of working and street children' in the country, especially in Tehran, while responsible organizations and authorities 'are not taking any action.' Based on the provisions of the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child,' member states of the 'United Nations General Assembly' are obligated to combat 'any form of exploitation and economic abuse of children'; in this context, June 12 (June 22) has been designated as 'World Day Against Child Labor.' Meanwhile, Mohammad Reza Heydarahi, head of the Social Victims Affairs Office of the government agency 'Welfare Organization,' announced on May 1 that some working and street children have become involved with 'certain drug trafficking gangs' and have taken on the role of 'transporting drugs.' The number of working and street children, which has always been a contentious issue in Iran, has never been accurately reported, and responsible governmental bodies, such as the Welfare Organization, have also stated that they are 'against the collection of working and street children.' Saba Alaleh, a clinical psychologist and social activist, also stated in an interview with the Persian section of 'Voice of America' that the responsibility for the increase in the number of working children in Iran lies with the Islamic Republic government, attributing it to the development of poverty and social disorder.
Tehran City Council Member: 'Child Labor and Street Children' Have Increased
A Tehran City Council member has reported a significant increase in child labor and street children in Iran, citing unofficial statistics that estimate between 14,000 to 70,000 street children nationwide. The issue is exacerbated by a lack of governmental action and rising poverty, with some children reportedly involved in drug trafficking. This situation raises serious concerns about child welfare and government accountability.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Tehran City Council member reports rise in child labor and street children in Iran.
- Sudeh Najafi announce child laborers, street children
- Mohammad Reza Heydarahi report working and street children
- Saba Alaleh attribute Islamic Republic government
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The rise in child labor and street children signals a growing social crisis in Iran.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%