Africa Newsroom — Gaza, Palestine — The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a dramatic increase in child labor, as families struggle to survive amidst widespread unemployment and economic devastation, according to recent reports.
The war has exacerbated an already dire economic situation, with unemployment in Gaza soaring to 79.1%, and the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) economy shrinking by nearly 33%. Child labor has risen significantly in the Gaza Strip, driven by deteriorating economic conditions and the urgent need for families to support themselves.
According to the United Nations, nearly 40% of Palestinian families in Gaza live below the poverty line, and 70% rely on some form of external aid. Children, often as young as 10, are forced to work in dangerous conditions, such as collecting scrap metal and gravel from destroyed buildings, and are paid meager amounts.
The minimum age for work in the West Bank and Gaza is supposed to be 15 (18 for hazardous work), but this is not enforced in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has limited jurisdiction to enforce labor laws, particularly in Area C of the West Bank, leaving many children vulnerable to exploitation.
“The ILO has warned about the ‘unprecedented devastation’ to the Palestinian job market and economy,” reports indicate. The situation is dire, with children engaged in various forms of labor, including street work, agriculture, and domestic service.
Families are resorting to “negative coping strategies” to survive, including sending their children to work. “In Gaza, the conflict has led to a collapse in the economy, and many families have no choice but to send their children to work,” a local expert said. “It’s a tragic situation, and the impact on these children’s futures is immeasurable.”
The plight of child laborers in Gaza highlights the devastating consequences of conflict on civilian populations, particularly the most vulnerable. As the situation worsens, the international community must act to address the root causes of the crisis and support the families affected.
Source: un.org
