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Occupational fatalities and child labor in Turkey

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What changed

2026-09-22 11:22 UTC → 2026-10-07 12:12 UTC · added removed

Reports from the Health and Safety Labour Watch Turkey (İSİG) indicate a significant rise in occupational fatalities and child labor deaths in Turkey. In the first eight nine months of 2026, at least 1,509 1,736 workers died in work-related incidents, with August alone seeing 226 deaths. incidents. This period marked the first time since İSİG began recording data in 15 years 2013 that monthly fatalities exceeded 200 for four five consecutive months. In September alone, fatalities were estimated between 226 and 273 individuals. High-risk sectors included construction, roadwork, agriculture, and forestry. The fatalities included 15 minors transportation, and 16 migrant workers. municipal work. Notably, 97 percent of those who died were not members of a trade union. Regarding child labor specifically, labor, data for the 2025-2026 academic year shows at least 95 child workers died, representing a 32% increase from the 72 fatalities recorded in the previous year. period. Of these, 28 were aged 5-14 and 67 were aged 15-17. Agriculture was identified as remains the most lethal sector for children, accounting for 39% of these deaths. Statistics indicate that approximately one in four children aged 15-17 is involved in deaths, followed by industry (17%) and construction (14%). Geographically, Antalya recorded the workforce, while 36.8% of children aged 0-17 are considered at risk highest number of poverty fatalities, followed by Urfa and Mersin. Among the deceased children, 14 were refugees or migrants from countries including Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Saadet Party officials have attributed the rise in child labor to poverty, income inequality, the high cost of living, and informal employment. They have called for strengthened social exclusion. supports and increased inspections to prevent children from entering hazardous workplaces.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-07 12:12 UTC Occupational fatalities and child labor in Turkey
  2. 2026-09-22 11:22 UTC Occupational fatalities and child labor in Turkey

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