Child labor deaths in Turkey rise by 32% in 2025-2026 period

A report by the Occupational Health and Safety (İSİG) Assembly reveals that at least 95 child workers lost their lives during the 2025-2026 academic year, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. Of those deceased, 28 were aged 5-14 and 67 were aged 15-17. The report notes that 14 of the victims were refugees or migrants, including individuals from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Agriculture was the most lethal sector, accounting for 39% of child labor deaths, followed by industry at 17% and construction at 14%. Geographically, Antalya recorded the highest number of fatalities with nine deaths, followed by Urfa with six and Mersin with five.

Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) indicates that approximately one in four children aged 15-17 is involved in the workforce. Furthermore, 36.8% of children aged 0-17 in Turkey are considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Between 2013 and 2025, İSİG records show at least 770 child workers have died in workplace accidents.