ISTANBUL- According to the report of the ISIG Assembly, at least 72 child workers lost their lives in the 2024-2025 academic year. The report noted that mortality rates increased by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. 

 

Worker Health and Worker Safety (ISIG) Assembly announced the data on child labour in the 2024-2025 academic year. According to the report, at least 72 child workers lost their lives in work accidents between September 2024 and August 2025. Stating that there was an increase of 10 percent compared to the previous period, the report stated that child labour is an indicator of the deepening of poverty and precariousness. 

 

The report stated that 20 children died in agriculture, 19 in industry, 17 in construction and 16 in the service sector. It was pointed out that unlike the years when child labour deaths were predominantly seen in rural areas, deaths have recently been concentrated in urban centres. It was emphasised that child labour was massified by state policies through Organised Industrial Zones and Vocational Education Centres (MESEM) programmes.

 

The report stated that 505 thousand students are employed as cheap labour in workplaces four days a week within the scope of MESEM and that this is not education but "exploitation of child labour". The report reminded that at least 15 children have lost their lives within the scope of MESEM in the last two years and at least 7 students have lost their lives during internships in different high schools, and demanded that child labour be banned, education be made free at all levels, the 4+4+4 system be abandoned and the MESEM practice be closed down. It was also emphasised that children's living spaces should be free from drugs and gangs, and scientific and public principles in education should be strengthened.