In countries like Pakistan where implementation of a law remains a troubled task
KARACHI: Recently, the standing committee of the Punjab assembly has proposed some commendable amendments to the Destitute and Neglected Child Bill, expanding the scope of child rights violations that can be covered under the legislation. Given the grave situation of child rights in the country, it is even more important for other provincial assemblies to bring in necessary amendments to the existing legislation. Similarly, amendments broadening the scope of the legislation must be presented in the upper house once they have been passed by the National Assembly, the lower house.
In countries like Pakistan where implementation of a law remains a troubled task, the federal government must hold the provincial and local bodies accountable if they fail to do so. News and reports about domestic child labour abuse and exploitation in the media not only identify gaps in the current law but also its application. Child labour is also widely practised in rural and urban settlements in Pakistan, while the police and other non-governmental organisations might be able to monitor the laws being implemented in urban cities, rural and feudalistic settings might at large continue to enjoy staying out of reach of the law. To help put the law in effect inclusively, the government should support and provide the necessary protection to the organisations working to curtail child labour practices.
Sarah Shaikh
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2017.
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