Baldia fire victims

It is extremely disconcerting to see that even after a long span of eleven years, the heirs of the victims of the Baldia factory fire still have unaddressed grievances about compensation. In a recent press conference held in Karachi, the heirs rejected a compensation deal made by ILO with a German insurance company of $5.1 million on grounds of “non-transparency”. Despite repeated demands, the ILO kept the compensations funds and distributed it to the heirs on a monthly basis for the past five years, without them being informed.

However, as per the deal, the compensation funds were to be brought to Pakistan and invested following mutual consultation to ensure life-long assistance to the aggrieved families. But this did not happen. A committee had even sent ILO an investment plan but they failed to respond back. By doing so, not only has ILO disrespected the victims of one of the most tragic events in the history of Karachi, but they have also gone against all they stand for. A purpose of such an international organisation is to give voice and support those who are oppressed or vulnerable, those who have suffered through immense tragedy and those who continue to be exploited without remorse. The very purpose of the consultation sessions are to give these people a speaking opportunity and include their perspective as well as their idea on issues of development, growth, remuneration and reparation. It has therefore become a common practice of international NGOs to hold such sessions before moving forward in any project.

This incident cannot be taken lightly and ILO must come forward with a clarification statement. Pakistani officials on the other hand must raise the issue at different international forums so that heirs are compensated adequately. If such organisations fail to provide protection to labourers and their families, then it puts a huge question mark on the entire global human rights structure.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2023.

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