Child Labor Surges in Kabul as Education Gap Widens

DID Press: A growing number of children in Kabul are being pushed into labor, raising alarm over deepening poverty and widening barriers to education.

In recent months, child labor has expanded across the city, with many children abandoning school to work in streets and markets. From collecting plastic and bottles to cleaning car windows and street vending, these children are struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.

Residents say the trend is reaching unprecedented levels and warn of long-term social consequences if left unaddressed. They cite worsening economic conditions and lack of job opportunities as key drivers forcing families to send their children to work.

Working children are calling on authorities to provide access to education and essential support, while citizens stress that targeted assistance programs and policy intervention are critical to reversing the trend and returning children to school.