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Legal Protection of Working and Street Children
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Leila Soltani *   |
| . Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (15 Views) |
Background and Aim: This paper explores the complex challenges and barriers to implementing child rights, particularly in relation to child labor and street children. Despite the existence of comprehensive international and national legal frameworks, the enforcement of child rights is often hindered by socio-economic, political and cultural factors. These include poverty, weak governance, corruption and deeply ingrained cultural practices that perpetuate child labor and early marriage. The paper critically examines these barriers and highlights the limitations of current approaches to child protection. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes innovative solutions aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing community engagement and providing economic empowerment to vulnerable families. It emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into child protection efforts, such as using digital platforms for monitoring and reporting child rights violations. The paper also advocates for institutional reforms to improve coordination among stakeholders and build the capacity of those responsible for implementing child protection measures. Additionally, the paper discusses the need for targeted social protection programs, such as conditional cash transfers, which have proven effective in reducing child labor and increasing school attendance. Advocacy and policy reform are also identified as critical components in the fight to protect child rights, with a focus on holding governments accountable for their commitments. Overall, the paper argues for a holistic approach to child protection that addresses the root causes of child rights violations and involves all sectors of society. By combining legal, social, economic and technological strategies, it is possible to create a safer and more supportive environment for children, enabling them to grow and thrive free from exploitation and abuse.
Method: This study employs a descriptive-analytical method. Data collection was conducted through a library-based approach, involving a detailed review of international conventions, national laws and academic literature.
Results: The findings indicate that poverty, migration and institutional discoordination are primary barriers to child protection. A critical analysis of the literature reveals significant flaws, such as over-reliance on cross-sectional data and the marginalization of children's voices. The study emphasizes the need to shift from rigid theoretical frameworks toward flexible models that better capture the complex survival strategies of vulnerable families.
Conclusion: While Iran’s legal framework aligns with international standards like the UNCRC and ILO conventions, a critical gap exists in protecting children in the informal sector. This study concludes that addressing child labor requires a dual approach: legislative reforms to expand legal coverage to the informal economy and the integration of modern technologies (e.g., digital monitoring platforms) and institutional reforms to enhance stakeholder coordination. By combining legal strategies with targeted social protection programs, such as conditional cash transfers, a safer environment can be established for children to thrive without exploitation.
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| Keywords: Child Labor, Child Rights, Legal Frameworks, Socio-Economic Barriers, Innovative Solutions |
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Full-Text [PDF 595 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/01/19 | Accepted: 2024/04/25
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