Syrian refugees resort to child labor in Lebanon

The World
Children pose near tents inside an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon really struggle to get by. The situation is so bad that many are forced to send their children out to work to be able to afford to eat.

Some 180,000 Syrian kids are put to work in Lebanon, according to UNICEF. Most work in the agricultural sector, planting and picking potatoes.

The World’s correspondent Richard Hall spoke to a family in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley who have had to resort to this.

“When we stop working or stand still, he scolds us,” 11-year-old Noura says of her boss.

She says she dreams about being at home all day when she is working the fields. To get through it, she and her friends sing songs.

You can listen to the children's work songs and more on The World, above.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.