Children Forced to Work: The Harsh Reality of Selling Food in Havana's Streets

Recently surfaced videos highlight a troubling reality in Havana, where young children are seen selling fruits, such as avocados, on the streets. These children openly state that their efforts are to support their families amidst the dire economic crisis.

Activist Maykel Chapotín shared a video on Facebook showing two youngsters sitting on a cloth in a park, offering avocados and mangoes to passersby.

Another video captures three children pushing a cart through a Havana street, clearly not as part of a game. The children can be heard loudly advertising avocados for sale.

Chapotín's post highlighted a poignant message: "My mom is sick at home, I do this to help her and to buy school supplies. My Cuba, you hurt," expressing the desperation that fuels these children's actions.

In the comments, Chapotín emphasized the words of one child, who explained his mother was ill, prompting him to step in and support her.

This narrative is becoming alarmingly common across various Cuban provinces, despite authorities downplaying the increasing evidence of child labor.

Public Outcry and Online Reactions

The videos have incited widespread indignation online, amassing over 10,000 views and sparking numerous reactions. One commenter lamented the situation, stating, "Children deserve to live their childhood with innocence and joy. They should not bear the burden of family sustenance, regardless of the crisis. Where are the parents supposed to be guiding them? Nothing justifies child labor."

Unfortunately, these scenes are far from isolated incidents. Since 2023, numerous reports have emerged of children selling cakes, beverages, eggs, sweets, and more in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Sancti Spíritus, and other areas.

Personal Stories Highlight a National Crisis

Many of these children claim their work is necessary to help sick mothers or families struggling without adequate income. A recent case involved activist Yureibys Torresilla, who purchased 38 sweets from Emmanuel, a child in Sancti Spíritus selling goods made by his mother.

Previously, 11-year-old Jordi was reported collecting cans in the early morning hours in Camagüey to support his household.

Statistics Reveal a Worsening Situation

Data underscores the worsening conditions: the Cuban Conflict Observatory documented 71 reports of child labor and begging in 2025. That same year, the government acknowledged that almost 200,000 children and adolescents faced vulnerability or risk.

Poverty extends to nutrition and living conditions. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported in November 2025 that 9% of Cuban children suffered from severe food poverty.

In June, the Food Monitor Program warned that Cuba's food crisis is forcing children and adolescents to take on survival tasks typically meant for adults, under the guise of family assistance.

Legal and Social Discrepancies

This rise in child labor starkly contrasts with existing laws. The Constitution, Labor Code, and Law 178 of 2025 prohibit work for those under 17. Yet, emerging footage from across the nation reveals a harsh truth that's difficult to hide.

The dissonance became particularly pronounced in June when the Communist Youth Union claimed, in celebration of World Day Against Child Labor, that "thanks to the Revolution, child labor is not a reality in our country." This statement triggered a flood of testimonies and videos proving otherwise.

Even President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the issue in April 2025, though he failed to propose structural changes to address it.

Meanwhile, the crisis continues to drive more children into the streets, replacing their time for education and play with work to support their families' survival.