Proposed legislation targets child labour

Proposed bill takes bold stance, criminalising child domestic labour as nonbailable offence

ISLAMABAD:

Crucial strides were made in addressing the pervasive issue of child domestic labour during the consolidation consultation on the proposed Child Domestic Labour Draft Bill at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Esteemed stakeholders, including representatives from UNICEF, ILO, Ministry of Human Rights, and various organisations, convened to contribute their expertise and insights, said a statement.

The event was honoured by the presence of Ayesha Raza, Chairperson of the National Child Rights Commission (NCRC), whose commendable efforts have played a pivotal role in bringing attention to and addressing the pressing issue of child domestic labour.

Read K-P unveils shocking child labour data

Child domestic labour, a legal and social challenge, has far-reaching implications for children’s well-being, compounded by child labour in sectors such as brick kilns, carpet factories and the nexus of narcotic terrorism.

Children engaged in domestic labour face health risks, rights violations, disrupted education, and exposure to violence. Recognising the gravity of this issue, the NCRC has taken an admirable initiative by crafting comprehensive legislation to prevent and regulate child domestic labour.

The proposed bill takes a bold stance, criminalising child domestic labour as a nonbailable offence.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2024.