World Day Against Child Labour | SHRC Leads the Call: Let Children Learn, Not Labour
On June 12, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) hosted a powerful consultation in Karachi to spotlight one of the most urgent human rights issues in Sindh: child domestic labour (CDL) and bonded labour.
The event brought together government leaders, civil society, child rights experts, and trade union representatives to demand better enforcement, and real protection for children at risk.
Key Highlights from the Consultation:
-SHRC called for raising the minimum employment age to align with the constitutional right to free and compulsory education (Article 25A – ages 5–16).
-Urged amendments to Article 11(3) and Section 374 of the Pakistan Penal Code to outlaw all hazardous child labour and recognize CDL as a form of slavery and forced labour.
-Ratify ILO Convention 189 to protect domestic workers.
• Establish child protection centers in every Sindh district.
• Launch community-based reporting systems with local government.
• Train police, labour, and welfare officers on child protection and internal trafficking.
• Improve government-led data collection on child labour.
• Provide financial stipends and social safety support for vulnerable children.
Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, SHRC Chairperson, opened with stark reminders of domestic child abuse cases and stated: “We must challenge social norms, shift mindsets, and push for zero tolerance of child and bonded labour. No child should be working in someone’s home—they belong in school, in safety, and in dignity.”
SHRC also called on media and civil society to drive awareness, pressure institutions, and support behaviour change at all levels.
Let’s end child labour. Let’s give every child a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
