School dropout and child labor – a field study Hilla city

Abstract

Child labor is a phenomenon that plagues many countries, particularly in the developing world, including the Republic of Iraq. Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, which hinder development programs in our country, and to protect children's rights from economic exploitation and from performing any work that poses a risk, such as impeding their education or harming their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development, we must address this issue. It is perhaps no exaggeration to say that the changes affecting Iraqi society in all its aspects, as well as the multifaceted crises it has faced, have directly impacted Iraqi families. Their standard of living has declined due to the collapse of the employment system, which in turn has led to widespread unemployment and, consequently to the poverty.

The prevalence of divorce or the loss of a father has also led many young people to leave school at an early age to share family responsibilities, shoulder life's burdens, and meet its needs and expenses. This has forced young people into the vast world of work, sometimes even becoming a source of income for their families.