UNITED NATIONS: Syrian children are paying a heavy price for the world’s failure to put an end to the conflict, according to a joint report released by the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) and Save the Children on Thursday.

In Syria, children often “carry heavy loads, are exposed to pesticides and toxic chemicals, and work long hours”, the report said.

“Children are now contributing to the family income in more than three-quarters of surveyed households. In Jordan, close to half of all Syrian refugee children are now the joint or sole family breadwinners in surveyed households, while in some parts of Lebanon, children as young as six years old are reportedly working,” the agencies said.

“Child labour hinders children’s growth and development as they toil for long hours with little pay, often in extremely hazardous and unhealthy environment,” Dr Peter Salama, Unicef Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said.

“Carrying heavy loads, being exposed to pesticides and toxic chemicals, and working long hours – these are just some of the hazards working children face every day around the region.”

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2015

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