Lebanese laws remain an obstacle to fighting child labor

On the World Day Against Child Labor which falls on June 12 of each year, As Safir daily published a feature, with special emphasis on the provisions of the labor law which, despite Lebanon’s ratification of the international convention banning the work of children under 15 years, still excludes agricultural jobs and housework. Outlining the commendable efforts exerted by local and global organizations fighting child labor, As Safir highlighted the fate of Syrian children working in the Bekaa and Akkar regions. While children under 10 years make nearly 60% of agricultural workers, the newspaper wrote, no one in their direct environ seem disturbed by their early and arduous labor. Some believe it is an old habit deep-rooted in Syria and among the Arab Gypsies of Lebanon, the newspaper went on to say, pointing out to the physical, economic, social and psychological harms inflicted to children as a result. As Safir concluded by saying that the efforts of international organizations remain insufficient, particularly with the determination of the parents of those children to exploit the whole family in order to alleviate the dreadful economic conditions and the meagre allocations given them in the form of aid. It should be noted, that the wage of each child does not exceed LBP 5 thousand or sometimes one box of veggies. (As Safir, June 13, 2016)