KABUL (SW): Minister for Trade and Commerce Humayoun Rassa has stressed upon the need to bring an end to child labor in the carpet weaving industry across the country.
He said this while addressing a gathering that saw the Ministry of Trade and Commerce signing a deal with the Turkish Airline aimed at improving the export of Afghan carpets to the world.
Rassa stressed that exploiting children for carpet weaving was actually a criminal act that deprive children of their childhood.
He mentioned that as a signatory to the United Nations’ conventions on child rights, Afghanistan must implement the age limit in regard to work done by children and teenagers.
He acknowledged that the carpet industry in Afghanistan was making headway. According to the MoTC, the government would expedite efforts to facilitate the export of carpets.
Highlighting the importance of deal signed with the Turkish Airways about the shipment of carpets, the minister noted that some 1.5 million people are associated with carpet industry.
According to the MoTC officials, a meaningful 30 percent increase in carpet export has been witnessed this year. It is vital to note some media reports have suggested that a large number of children work in carpet weaving sector under harsh working atmosphere in Afghanistan.
ENDS
