Syrian children work as crisis in country worsens

World Today

In Syria, extending a ceasefire has become a priority within the war torn country. But, the five year crisis has affected all segments of society – especially children.

CCTV’s Xu Dezhi reports.

Many children are forced to leave school and work to help their families.

Othman Takriti is 10 years old. Though he is the youngest staff at this garage in southern Damascus, he already has two years’ working experience. He used to live in the countryside but when war broke out, he and his family fled their home for Damascus. Despite his young age, Othman has mastered many skills.

“We work in everything like taking apart a pump, engine, wheels, even transmissions. I also fix locks to the car, differentials, handles, and we even change the oil filters,” Takriti said.

In Damascus, Othman and his family all live in this small attic above the garage. Their house and garden has been destroyed, leaving this small room their only property.

Syrian law has strictly prohibited hiring a laboring child. Before the crisis, this would lead to heavy punishment. But after five years of chaos, people care more about how to make a living rather than what it says according to the law.


Fmr. Ambassador Ted Kattouf on the Syria crisis
For more on the latest in the Syrian crisis, We’re joined by Ted Kattouf, former U.S. ambassador to Syria and current President of AMIDEAST – a non-profit group aimed at strengthening ties between America and the Middle East and North Africa.