SHRC calls for urgent legal reforms to combat bonded labour

KARAHCI: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Obun2, convened a critical consultation in Karachi focusing on the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015.

Officials said on Thursday that the issue of child domestic labour in Sindh and the Bonded Labour System was discussed at the event.

The event gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, trade unions, and human rights activists, to discuss necessary legal and institutional reforms.

Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, minister for labour and Human resources, stressed the importance of addressing gaps in legislation such as the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015, and the Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017.

He pledged to work closely with the concerned departments to enhance enforcement mechanisms and ensure that these laws are effectively implemented. The minister also highlighted plans to strengthen NILAT, which played a crucial role in educating and training stakeholders on these critical issues.

Iqbal Ahmed Detho, chairperson of the SHRC, underscored the constitutional protections against bonded labour and shared insights into the legal landscape, including the impact of the 18th Amendment, which led to provincial legislation like the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015.

He also announced plans to develop a bench book for labour laws and emphasised the SHRC’s commitment to creating pro-rights legislation and conducting post-legislation scrutiny.

Detho pointed out the challenges in holding District Vigilance Committee (DVC) meetings due to the absence of labour officers in many districts.

Qindeel Shujaat, executive director of Obun2, highlighted the complex issue of child domestic labour, noting that different provinces in Pakistan address it through varying legal frameworks. He welcomed the Sindh government’s efforts to draft the Sindh Domestic Workers Bill but stressed the importance of learning from other provinces to avoid the implementation gaps that have plagued existing laws.

Nasir Mansoor from the National Trade Union Federation highlighted that bonded labour remains widespread in the agricultural sector and is increasingly affecting the industrial sector. He also addressed issues related to the Sindh Labour Code.

The consultation also featured insights from Syed Nazar Ali, secretary general of the Employer Federation of Pakistan, who emphasised the need to involve genuine stakeholders in efforts to combat bonded labour. He highlighted the role of external factors like COVID-19, climate change, and poverty in perpetuating these issues.

The discussion revealed several systemic challenges, including the inconsistent formation of DVCs, weak enforcement of existing laws, and significant data gaps.

Participants called for comprehensive legal reforms, better coordination among government departments, and the strengthening of social support systems to effectively address bonded labour and child domestic labour in Sindh.