The development of the self isn’t possible if you’re constantly working. Some skills should be learned to help your family, or for your own hobbies. This is especially true for children, who should spend the majority of their time developing their skills and socializing with others. Children below the age of 16 should not be working or supporting an entire family.

Child labor is defined as work that deprives boys and girls of their childhood and their potential. Child labor is any type of work that interferes with education, or that is dangerous to the physical, mental, or moral well-being of the child. Examples of work that are not considered harmful are the help that children give their parents in the home or their collaboration in a family business carried out outside of school hours.

If you or someone you know is being affected by child labor, call one of these hotlines:

Attached is the Law on the Rights of the Child in Armenia, where you can find the legal framework by which children live. The Law clearly states that:

Children under the age of 16 may be admitted to temporary employment with the written consent of one of the parents (adoptive parent) or guardian (trustee), guardianship and trusteeship body if this does not interfere with their learning process.

Child labor interferes with the learning process by preventing the child from attending educational institutions or programs. It is important to know what legal rights one has in order to start a further investigation into any crimes taking place. The Law on General Education also states this information.

There are a number of NGOs who work to combat the mistreatment of children. World Vision Armenia’s main focuses are on promoting child development and health, child rights protection, youth empowerment and employment, and economic empowerment of families and poverty reduction. The best way to get in contact with a World Vision Armenia employee is by calling the office closest to your community; look at their contact page here. World Vision also runs nine daycare centers – see if there is one near you.

Resources

Learn more about World Vision Armenia’s child protection and early childhood development programs.

Here are Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports for Armenia, produced by the US Department of Labor Bureau of International Affairs office.