Baghdad: Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi has declared combating child labor a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need for the cooperation of state institutions, civil society, the media, and families. Al-Asadi highlighted that societal perception of childhood must change, asserting that a child’s rightful place is in the classroom rather than the labor market.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Asadi made these remarks at the First National Conference Toward a National Strategy to Combat Child Labor, organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event gathered representatives of relevant ministries, labor unions, federations, and international organizations to address the issue.

The minister identified key challenges in addressing child labor, pointing to the expansion of informal labor and a lack of public awareness about the dangers involved. He emphasized the need for a culture of reporting violations against children in specific environments.

Al-Asadi shared the Ministry’s vision for a child-labor-free Iraq, underscoring the importance of education as the most effective tool against poverty. He reiterated the Ministry’s slogan, “We will not pass poverty on to our children,” and detailed efforts to support low-income families through student grants and social protection initiatives.

He stressed the importance of preventing children from entering the labor market due to economic pressures by supporting vulnerable families with nutritional and health assistance. The minister highlighted that these measures are crucial for breaking the poverty cycle and achieving social justice.

Al-Asadi underscored the Ministry’s commitment to protecting children and, consequently, Iraq’s future. He mentioned that the Ministry conducts annual field campaigns to identify child labor cases and enforce labor laws, particularly Article (7), which prohibits child employment.

In conclusion, Al-Asadi stated that the true measure of a nation lies in the opportunities it provides for its citizens. He credited the Department of Labor and Vocational Training for their role in promoting legal awareness and reducing child labor’s prevalence.