Save the Children expressed concerns over the situation of the children in Afghanistan, saying that “14 million children face life-threatening levels of hunger” since the fall of the former government.
Save the Children in a report urged countries to ramp up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
“Save the Children is urging the Australian Government to commit at least $100m per year in life-saving aid at the pledging conference for Afghanistan,” the report reads.
With Afghanistan struggling with a fractured political state amid a feeble economy, thousands of children are forced to work.
Abdul Shukor, 13, works as a street vendor and collects plastic from the trash cans.
“I go to school in the morning and go to work from noon till evening. I collect the plastic bottles and sell them and earn around 50-60 Afs per day,” he said.
“My husband has gone to Iran because our situation has so badly deteriorated,” said Shokur’s mother.
But how effective is the aid provided by the international donors to the people of Afghanistan?
A women and children’ rights activist, Mariam Arween, said: “The reason for the deteriorated situation of the children is the current poverty in the country. Which will be only solved for a short time through aid.”
The Islamic Emirate said that they have formed plans to overcome the poverty across the country.
“The main reason of the children’s poverty is the families’ economic problems. And, therefore, we are looking forward to creating jobs for the families to protect the children,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy Minister of Economy.
An earlier report by the Save the Children put the number of child laborers around one million.
The children said they have a great desire for education and want a brighter future. Over 30 students participate in the classes.
“These children were first begging but I encouraged them to work and stop begging. Then I encouraged them to study. I think offering motivation is one of the best things to do at the moment,” Najhand said.
Many of these children are engaged in hazardous work and have been deprived of an education due to economic challenges. Shikib, 7, is one of the students who also polishes shoes.
“I have learned how to read. Before I didn’t know anything, but I know it now,” he said.
The students said that they are unable to pay for the private educational centers to continue their lessons, and therefore, they are participating in these classes.
“I have learned both reading and writing,” said Anil, 8.
“I didn’t have money to go to the educational courses. We call for help to continue our education,” said Sadaf, 6.
Afghanistan has repeatedly been ranked among the top worst countries for children. The decades-long conflict has affected Afghan children. Save the Children said in a recent report that due to severe poverty gripping Afghanistan, one-fifth of the families have been obliged to send their children to work. —Tolonews
