As the Syrian conflict continues in Syria, more than one million Syrian refugees are registered in Lebanon. More than half are children, most of whom are out of school and many of whom are involved in the worst forms of child labor.

  

To obtain a residence permit in Lebanon, valid for 12 months, a Syrian refugee needs to pay $200, a price many cannot pay.

Many are afraid to move freely because they find themselves in trouble if stopped by Lebanese police or military without ID or the necessary papers.  Children under 16 years, are not required to show any documentation to local authorities, and therefore have greater freedom of movement. In Lebanon, children are often the main or even the sole breadwinners.

The situation is becoming more and more desperate. The number of children and adolescents who carry the burden and responsibility of supporting their families – at too young an age – is on the rise. In September 2013, the Government of Lebanon adopted a National Action Plan to eliminate the worst forms of child labour by 2016. However, even though the plan meets the needs of all children in Lebanon without discrimination, the plan is insufficient, due to the magnitude of the issue of child labour, and the fact that the situation is deteriorating. UNICEF warns that increasing numbers of children are toiling long hours for low wages, often in hazardous conditions, exposing them to violence, exploitation and abuse, depriving them of an education. To combat this trend, UNICEF and ILO, together with local NGOs, have developed a joint programme, to assist 20,000 Syrian and Lebanese below the age of 16, involved in or at risk of the worst forms of child labor.

In March 2016, UNICEF teamed up with the photographer Laura Aggio Caldon, to document the lives of children refuges, deprived of a childhood, making a living for themselves and their families.

Text by Laura Aggio Caldon and Unicef