Compliance with UN protocol a must for GSP-Plus status: speakers

Speakers at a dialogue on Tuesday underscored the critical need to raise awareness among the public about the grave consequences of child trafficking and bonded labour. They also called for effective enforcement of laws to combat these issues.

The daylong event, titled “Provincial Stakeholders Dialogue on Child Trafficking and Bonded Labour in Sindh,” was jointly organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) and the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) at a hotel. It focused on adherence to the UN protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the dialogue, participants stressed that compliance with the protocol is crucial for Pakistan to maintain its GSP-Plus status, which provides the developing countries with incentives for pursuing sustainable development and good governance.

The diverse group of participants included former ministers, lawmakers, human rights activists, government officials, and representatives from the Police Department.

The dialogue began with speakers highlighting the severe human rights violations in the country, particularly child trafficking, which affects countless young lives. The recent tragic murder of the minor maid, Fatima Furiro, in Khairpur was a focal point of discussion. Human rights campaigners emphasised the necessity of coordinated efforts to combat child trafficking, as isolated actions may not yield the desired outcomes.

SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho, in his welcome address, explained that the objective of the dialogue was to raise public awareness about child trafficking and garner support for preventive measures. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy in Sindh to combat child trafficking, focusing on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation processes.

Detho also highlighted flaws in the prosecution system, resulting in high acquittal rate for cases. He called on the government to strengthen the prosecution system and revise ambiguous laws and rules.

Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, underlined the importance of collaboration between government entities, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to address the pressing issue. She pointed out that poverty often forces parents to send their children to work. She stressed the significance of existing legislation in safeguarding children’s rights.

Sarah Ahmed, Chairperson of the Punjab Child Protection Bureau, stressed the importance of policy implementation and its potential benefits for children. She highlighted that child sexual abuse and trafficking are global issues affecting even the most developed countries. She stressed the need to raise awareness and address these issues seriously.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, expressed deep concern about the rising cases of child trafficking and slavery, calling for collective action to ban child labour and combat child trafficking and slavery in Pakistan. He emphasised the need to harmonize diverse legal frameworks addressing child rights violations, including early child marriages, child labour, domestic labour, child trafficking, violence against children, and bonded labour traditions in Pakistan.

Azfar Mahesar, DIG Police, East Zone, expressed concerns about certain cases not being adequately addressed. He acknowledged the presence of laws and improved stakeholder coordination but stressed the ongoing need for improvement.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2023.