Explainer

Combating child labour begins with safe spaces to learn

With his family struggling to survive, Ahmet faced a harsh reality: the pressure to find work and contribute to the household income, even if it meant dropping out of school or entering unsafe, informal jobs

UNICEF

In Kahramanmaraş, 18-year-old Ahmet spends his days learning the complex mechanics of diesel engines—turning wrenches, diagnosing problems, and building a future from the remnants of his past. Before discovering vocational training, Ahmet’s life had taken an uncertain path. The February 2023 earthquakes not only destroyed his home but also took away his beloved grandfather, leaving his family struggling to rebuild. — UNICEF/UNI790266/Kiliç

11 June 2025

Reading time: 3 minutes

When the devastating earthquakes struck Kahramanmaraş in February 2023, 17-year-old Ahmet’s life changed overnight. His home was reduced to rubble, and he lost his beloved grandfather—the family’s main source of emotional and financial support. With his family struggling to survive, Ahmet faced a harsh reality: the pressure to find work and contribute to the household income, even if it meant dropping out of school or entering unsafe, informal jobs.

Ahmet was one of many children identified by local authorities and partners as being at high risk of economic exploitation in the aftermath of the disaster. Fortunately, he was referred to a UNICEF-supported vocational training programme through the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK).

“I’ve always liked working with my hands and understanding how things work,” Ahmet says. “Diesel mechanics felt like the right fit. Heavy machinery will always need engines.”

The programme offered more than just technical skills. It provided a safe, structured, and market-relevant learning environment, helping Ahmet avoid informal labour and instead build a sustainable career path aligned with his interests. Today, he is learning the complex mechanics of diesel engines—turning wrenches, diagnosing problems, and building his future. With growing confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, Ahmet now dreams of opening his own workshop.

“I think it’s important to do something you love,” he says.

From Individual Stories to Systemic Change

Ahmet’s story is one of prevention and resilience. While he did not fall into child labour thanks to the UNICEF’s supported programme, his experience highlights the importance of early intervention and access to safe, supportive learning environments. For many children in Türkiye, however, the outcome is different.

According to 2019 data, approximately 720,000 children aged 5 to 17 were engaged in economic activities. Economic instability, natural disasters, and disrupted education systems increase children’s vulnerability to exploitation.

To address this, UNICEF Türkiye is scaling up its works with national institutions, businesses, and civil society to identify children at risk, refer them to protection services, and promote safe, workplace-based vocational training opportunities. These efforts aim to prevent children from entering exploitative labour in the first place—just as they did for Ahmet.

A Coordinated National Response

UNICEF collaborates with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS), TESK, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Together, they are building a system that protects children from economic exploitation and ensures their right to education and development.

Since 2020, this collective effort has:

Conducted over 8,000 workplace visits in 11 provinces
Identified and supported 7,500 children engaged in or at risk of child labour
Provided vocational training to 1,000 students
Trained 2,000 master trainers on child-friendly workplace practices
Reached 1,000 SMEs with guidance on preventing child labour
Supported 600+ workplace owners with occupational health and safety training to protect 2,000 students
Strengthened the child rights focus of labour inspections through support to MoLSS’s Directorate of Guidance and Inspection.

UNICEF/UNI790260/Kiliç For 19-year-old Emine Nur, vocational training was more than a career path—it was a way to reclaim her future. Growing up in rural Kahramanmaraş, Emine always dreamed of becoming a hairdresser and opening her own salon.

Protecting Children in Global Supply Chains

Child labour is not just a local issue—it is often hidden in the early stages of global supply chains. As Türkiye strengthens its role in international markets, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that children’s rights are respected throughout business operations.

UNICEF works with government and private sector partners to promote responsible business practices. This includes integrating the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP)—a global framework developed by UNICEF, the UN Global Compact, and Save the Children—into national policies and corporate strategies. These principles help businesses understand and address their impact on children across their operations and value chains.

A Brighter Future

Ahmet’s journey from risk to resilience shows what’s possible when systems work together to protect children. His story is a reminder that with the right support, children can pursue their dreams instead of being forced into labour. With continued action from governments, businesses, and civil society, Türkiye can ensure that every child has the right to learn, grow, and dream—free from the burden of exploitation.