Overhaul of peasant protection laws sought

KARACHI:

Speakers at the launch of the 9th report on "The State of Peasants' Rights in Sindh" for 2023, called for amendments and the effective implementation of the Sindh Tenancy Act to safeguard peasants' rights in the province.

The speakers expressed deep concern over the ongoing issue of debt bondage, despite the Sindh Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 2015. They highlighted that District Vigilance Committees (DVCs) established under the Act have been ineffective in rescuing, protecting, and rehabilitating bonded labourers.

Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairman Iqbal Detho noted that the commission has addressed numerous workers' issues, including the enforcement of the Minimum Wages law.

Hari Welfare Association President Akram Khaskheli revealed that in 2023, his association helped to liberate 542 peasants from bonded labour in the agriculture sector, including 185 children, 178 women, and 179 men.