Child Labour in Iran
This page brings together Kameel Ahmady’s research on child labour, workplace experiences and waste picking. See Traces of Exploitation in Childhood for the associated book and available editions.
Understanding Child Labour
The International Labour Organization distinguishes harmful or age-inappropriate work from other tasks undertaken by children. Age, hours, tasks, working conditions and schooling all matter when assessing the work.

Social Conditions and Protection
The ILO overview identifies poverty, barriers to education, limited social protection and a lack of decent work for adults among the factors that can contribute to child labour. These factors do not establish a single family profile or justify blaming an ethnic group.
Reading the Research
The linked studies examine particular work settings and experiences. Read their fieldwork locations, participant selection and methods alongside their findings. Different editions and studies may cover different forms of work; their counts should not be merged without checking the original sources.

Interpreting Statistics
A national total, a city estimate and a local study answer different questions. A figure should identify its source, year, age range, population and method. This overview does not present an unverified current national total or nationality breakdown.
Interviews and workplace observations can illuminate processes and experiences without establishing how common they are throughout Iran. Follow the individual research records linked below for their specific evidence and scope.

References and Further Reading
This book is also available in Farsi and Kurdish. Follow the edition pages for publication and download details.
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Articles
Traces of Childhood Exploitation- A Comprehensive Study on the Forms of Child Labour in Iran
Gender differences in child labour- A systematic review of causes, forms, features and consequences
Traces of Childhood Exploitation A Comprehensive Study on the Forms, Causes and Consequences of Child Labour – Conferences Presentation
Background and consequences of scavenging: A study on child scavenging in Tehran and its suburbs
Gender differences in child labour: A systematic review of causes, forms, features and consequences
A Socio-Cultural Analysis of Child Labour in Iran – Conferences Presentation
Violation: Child Labour Rights in Iran – Analysis and Solutions (Conferences Presentation)
Exploitation and Exclusion A Socio-Cultural Analysis of Child Labour in Iran
Traces of Exploitation in Childhood
Related Content
About the Researcher
Kameel Ahmady is a British-Iranian researcher working in the field of social anthropology, with a particular focus on gender, children, ethnic minorities, and child labour. Kameel was born in Iranian Kurdistan (also known as East Kurdistan). He obtained his Master’s degree in Social Anthropology and Visual Ethnography from the University of Kent, UK. His academic pursuits include specialized courses in Middle Eastern Politics and Research Methods from other British institutions. Known for studying harmful traditions, Ahmady serves as both a supervisor and developer for his teamwork research publications in Farsi, Kurdish, and English. In 2017, he was honoured with “Honour” prize by the UK based IKWRO organization at the University of Law in London. Subsequently, in 2018, at George Washington University, Global P.E.A.C.E. foundation bestowed upon him the “Literature and Humanities” award in recognition of his contributions to the field. Among his group works are titles such as ” Conformity and Resistance in Mahabad,” ” Another Look at East and Southeast of Turkey,” “In the Name of Tradition,” “A House on Water,” “The Echo of Silence,” ” Traces of Exploitation in Childhood,” and more….
Articles
FAQ About Child Labour
- Is all work done by children child labour?
No. The assessment depends on age, tasks, hours and conditions, including schooling. See the ILO explanation.
- Does this page give a verified current national total?
No new national total is reported here. Check the date, definition, geographical coverage and method of any estimate before comparing figures.
- Can a local study establish prevalence throughout Iran?
A local study should be interpreted in relation to its sample and setting. Its findings should not automatically be treated as a national prevalence estimate.
- Where can I read the book?
See Traces of Exploitation in Childhood for the introduction, edition details and access links.


What are the key international conventions and agreements in place to combat child labor, and how effective have these measures been in different regions?
The international community, through organizations like the ILO, has made efforts to combat child labor by setting standards and conventions to protect children’s rights.
Eliminating child labor requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, corporate responsibility, and public awareness to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and have the chance to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
How can businesses and consumers contribute to the eradication of child labor by promoting ethical supply chains and supporting products that are certified as child-labor-free?
Child labor remains a global challenge, as millions of children around the world are forced into work that is harmful to their physical and mental development.