GlobalVoices:

Child labor and exploitation remains a widespread problem throughout much of the world. The issue is centered around exploitation, trafficking and governmental negligence and presents a challenge for those living in closed societies which lack transparency, and social support systems.

The exploitation of children has become increasingly prevalent in Iran, and remains uninvestigated by authorities and the outside world.

Though Iran is a party to the Convention for the Rights of Children, its policies are in stark contrast to the articles of the convention, including those which guarantee the safety of children without guardians, and refugee children. Iran is also not currently a party to the 2000 UN Trafficking Protocol, an important international agreement focused on the prevention of human trafficking.

The lack of democratic will and societal transparency have made reporting on this issue a challenge for activists inside and outside of Iran. Iranian journalists and child activists who have sought to confront this issue are not only faced with a lack of cooperation by authorities, but have been subjected to threats and arrest by authorities. While the majority of the world focuses on the international and political issues surrounding country, Iran’s children remain largely invisible and forgotten.

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