Islamabad:- Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, who was the chief guest at the event, reiterated the government’s promise and said, “The Ministry of Human Rights is fully committed to supporting the NCRC’s efforts to end child labor and implement legislative reforms. NCRC I would like to inform you that a comprehensive bill on ‘Domestic Labor Ban’ is being prepared by the National Working Group on Human Rights.
The National Commission on Child Rights (NCRC) commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor by launching the State of Children in Pakistan portal and presenting its annual report for the year 2023-24. This event marks an important step in the fight against child labor and the protection of children’s rights in Pakistan.
The World Day Against Child Labor, observed every year on June 12, is a reminder of the urgent need to eliminate child labor in all its forms. It is a day to reflect on the plight of millions of children around the world who are deprived of childhood, education and opportunities.
Child labor remains a significant problem in Pakistan. It is estimated that 9.8% of children between the ages of 10 and 14 are involved in child labor, and the International Labor Organization reports that one in four families involves children in domestic work. These alarming statistics highlight the importance of working together to tackle this problem.
Recent cases, such as those of Rizwana and Fatimah Furrero, show that children are exposed to domestic work and abuse. In response, the NCRC launched a national consultation process to draft a bill to ban child labor in domestic work by 2024. The proposed law aims to make the crime more difficult and unjustified so that powerful people cannot escape justice. After the council meeting, the bill was sent to the Federal Human Rights Ministry for presentation to the Cabinet.
NCRC Chairperson Aisha Raza Farooq said, “When we leave this room today, let’s commit to being advocates for change. Stand up against the silent exploitation that happens in our midst. Let’s normalize the youth and women who work in our environment, sometimes in our own homes .”
Geir Tonstol, Country Director of International Cooperation, noted the wider impact of tackling child labour, saying, “Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7 is not only about ending child labour, but also about breaking the chains of poverty, providing education and opportunities. and a bright future for every child, knowing that the freedom of work of every child brings us closer to a fair and just society, we must pursue this goal with speed and determination.”
Deputy Representative of UNICEF Dr. Inoussa Kabore emphasized the importance of collaboration and said, “Stakeholder engagement is a powerful tool to address complex issues from different perspectives and perspectives. It fosters dialogue, creates and mobilizes innovative solutions. Supporting our common work, the continuation of child labor in all various sectors Stakeholder Engagement is important in the context of Pakistan.
This event was attended by various stakeholders including international and national non-governmental organizations, embassies, high commissions, donor agencies, government representatives, civil society organizations and child rights experts. At the end of the event, the guests of honor and the chief guest and members of the commission jointly launched the State of Children in Pakistan portal and the NCRC annual report from April 2023 to March 2024. The detailed report on the achievements of our Commission, including the introduction of three. strategic plan for the year, collaboration with national and international organizations, research publications, policy briefs and the importance of advocacy.
The Country Portal of Children in Pakistan is an initiative that provides a comprehensive knowledge hub for all stakeholders involved in child rights. This platform serves as a repository of valuable resources including information, reports, articles, research papers and national and international legal and policy frameworks. It will enable policy makers, researchers and practitioners to take evidence-based decisions and actions that directly impact the lives of children in Pakistan.