On July 10, 2025, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in partnership with the Society for Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) convened a Provincial Conference on Addressing Trafficking in Persons (TIP), Bonded Labor, and Child Protection in Hyderabad. This high level forum brought together government officials, civil society actors, and subject matter experts to strengthen Sindh’s commitment to international human rights and labour standards.
Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of SHRC, opened the conference by highlighting the stark reality in Sindh’s brick kiln sector. “Despite landmark legislation such as the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 2015, and the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011, thousands remain trapped in exploitation and without social security,” he warned. He called for stronger enforcement, improved inter agency coordination, and integrated policy implementation to dismantle the structures that perpetuate debt bondage and child labour.
As part of SHRC’s ongoing efforts, Mr. Detho unveiled the new report “Legal Aid Mapping and Policy Reform on Child Protection in the Brick Kiln Industry,” led by Barrister Rida Tahir (Member, Business & Human Rights, SHRC). The report maps existing legal aid gaps and sets out concrete recommendations to safeguard every child’s right to dignity and development, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Conference participants including representatives from Women Development, Social Welfare, Police, Labour, SESSI, EPA, Education, and Health departments unanimously endorsed a resolution to Harmonize national law with ILO Convention 138, establishing 18 as the minimum age for hazardous work and Extend protections to informal sector workers (domestic and agricultural) guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, and essential WASH services.
The SHRC, SPARC conference concluded with a shared determination to translate these commitments into action and to mobilize resources for an Endowment Fund dedicated to legal aid and social security for the most vulnerable. Together, they pledged to uphold the rights and dignity of every worker and child across Sindh.
