The National Commission on the Rights of Child - NCRC Pakistan and UNICEF Pakistan co-hosted a consultation in Karachi on the Draft Child Domestic Labour Bill of 2023. The consultation aimed to deliberate on the proposed Bill with key stakeholders, seeking their recommendations for inclusion in the legislation.
Human rights defenders, Child Rights advocates, legal experts, representatives of independent human rights institutions, and Police stressed the urgency of finalizing the legislation to outlaw child domestic labor. They emphasized the importance of halting this exploitative practice, equating it to a type of slavery.
The main speakers included a Member of the National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan - NCHR - Sindh Anis Haroon, Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Member Zulfiqar Shah, NCRC Members Khalid Naeem and Pirbhu Lal Satyani, Imdad Channa from the Sindh Child Protection Authority, (UNICEF) Chief Field Officer Prem Chand and others.
NCRC Member Pirbhu Lal Satyani emphasized that the proposed Prohibition of Child Domestic Labour Bill 2023 aims to drive substantial change by strengthening legal measures against individuals involved in employing children for domestic work. By categorizing Child Domestic Labour (CDL) as a non-compoundable, non-bailable, and cognizable offense, the NCRC underscores its dedication to prioritizing children's rights and welfare.
Ms. Anis Haroon highlighted the concerning fact that over 6 million school-going children in Sindh are currently not attending school, signaling an alarming situation.
Zulfiqar Shah, a member of SHRC, identified the economy and the existing political system as the primary reasons behind such practices prevailing in Pakistan.
Barrister Rida Tahir, a Legal Consultant at SHRC, actively contributed to the discussion, providing valuable insights and input.
Speakers voiced grave concern regarding the rising occurrences of torture and even fatalities among child domestic workers across various regions of the country.
