Syria’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour said Friday it is intensifying efforts to combat child labour, stressing that protecting children from economic exploitation and ensuring access to education remains a national priority.
Marking World Day Against Child Labour, the ministry called for stronger coordination between government bodies and international partners to address growing social challenge driven by economic hardship and war-related disruption.
Officials said labour inspections are being stepped up across private sector workplaces, particularly in industries where underage employment is more common, with authorities tasked with monitoring working conditions and enforcing compliance with labour laws.
According to the ministry, dozens of fines were issued in recent years against businesses found employing children in violation of national regulations, including underage work, hazardous conditions, and excessive working hours.
Labour inspection director Hamd Barkal said Syrian law prohibits the employment of children under the age of 15 and regulates work conditions for minors aged 15 to 18 in line with international conventions.
He attributed the rise in child labour to a combination of poverty, rising living costs, loss of household income, school dropouts, and damage to parts of the education system during years of war.
Barkal said efforts are also focused on returning working children to schools, in line with compulsory education laws requiring schooling for children aged 6 to 15.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the prevalence of informal work, limited inspection capacity, and social practices that can contribute to child labour.
The ministry urged expanded social protection programs and greater support for vulnerable families, saying tackling child labour requires a coordinated response involving government institutions, employers, communities and international organizations.
World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12, under a campaign led by the International Labour Organization to highlight global efforts to eliminate child labour.
SANA
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