Published in 2023, Ending Child Street Labor is a six-chapter book that examines the phenomenon of child labor in Iran from social, legal, policy, and practical perspectives.
The book’s preface, written by Mehr-o-Mah Empowerment Institute and Rahman Institute, highlights that child labor is prohibited under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, many children around the world, including Iran, continue to work in various sectors. These children often face unsafe living and working conditions, losing their childhood while experiencing challenges such as malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, exclusion from education, economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and substance-related harms.
The book emphasizes the growing concern over street-working children in Iranian cities and the ethical, social, and legal responsibilities of governments and societies toward improving their quality of life. It argues that the lack of accurate data on child labor remains a major barrier to effective policymaking and intervention.
Through a collective effort by Iranian researchers and practitioners, the book first reviews existing studies to provide an overview of the current situation of street children. It then evaluates related laws, policies, and governmental programs, examines the experiences of non-governmental organizations through expert interviews, and studies successful international approaches, particularly from countries with similar social contexts.
Finally, the book presents practical strategies for addressing child labor by analyzing expert perspectives and successful global programs. It explores the status of working and street children, legal capacities and limitations, governmental and institutional actions, and the roles of different stakeholders in tackling this social challenge.