Childern and their rights in Afghanistan

Children Rights and their situation in Afghanistan


Children are the most weak group among other groups in Afghanistan. They are facing many problems such as lack of access to proper education, forced labor, abuse, trafficking, smuggling and other kinds of hazards and problems.

The Afghanistan Constitution states in article 43 that“Education is the right of all citizens of Afghanistan and should be provided up to bachelor level, free of charge by the state institutions.” Article 49 of the Constitution also states that “Imposing forced labour is prohibited”. The New Labour Code of Afghanistan states that minimum age for employment in light occupation is completion of 14 and the minimum age of 18 years for admission to hazardous occupations and work.



Unfortunately, more than two decades of armed conflict, drought and poverty created a very difficult environment for Afghan families and their children. Of course, the solution for the socio-economic problem in Afghan community is likely to endure for many years. But government and people of Afghanistan are obligated to combat to these matters.

Unfortunately, despite having our national Constitution and Labour Code, rights of working children, child labour and lack of rights security of the working children are a serious problem in our country. Also human trafficking, particularly child kidnapping and abduction, has also been identified as one of the most serious problems in the country. child trafficking is a serious concern in Afghanistan, as well as in neighbouring countries. Children and families are ensnared by the false promises of the traffickers – promises of better lives, good education and escape from poverty. Children are used as economic tools to improve household and immediate family incomes.

In order to protect the rights of children in the country, it is very important that there should be programs and workshops and other means of raising awareness among people on children rights and improve the legal ground in protecting the rights of children. Also there is a need for better coordination among all stakeholders contributing in protection of children rights in Afghanistan.