Child labour still rampant in twin cities

Rights activists, educators say millions of children remain out of school

RAWALPINDI:

Like the rest of the world, Pakistan observed World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, but in practical terms no measures were taken in line with the United Nations charter to eliminate child labour.

The day has largely become symbolic, while child labour laws continue to be openly violated.

Incidents involving abuse, cutting of hair and sexual assault of young girls engaged in domestic child labour have also become common, while no effective environment has been created to eliminate child labour.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, children aged between 10 and 15 can be seen working at motorcycle and vehicle repair workshops, tyre puncture shops, small hotels, roadside eateries, carts and workshops. Even today, children, particularly girls aged between eight and 15, can be seen carrying heavy shopping bags larger than themselves while collecting paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, bones and scrap metal from streets. Many of them wear torn clothes.

Child labour has become common even in the homes of senior officials and judges because of low wages. FIRs relating to abuse and sexual assault of girls engaged in child labour are also frequently registered.

Young girls can be seen working alongside their mothers at brick kilns, while small boys and girls are often seen begging near markets, commercial centres, food stalls and open-air hotels.

Although extensive legislation was introduced and a Child Protection Department established, along with a ban on child begging, the institution has largely remained ineffective.

Despite large budgets and residential facilities, there has been little reduction in child labour, begging or waste-picking by children.

World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on June 12 to eliminate forced labour, child work and begging and to secure children's basic rights, particularly education. The International Labour Organisation has expressed concern over the global child labour situation and emphasised the campaign: "Education is a child's right, show child labour the red card."

According to global statistics, millions of children around the world are still forced to work, many in hazardous and life-threatening conditions.

Pakistan also has a large population of child labourers, and there are repeated calls for urgent measures and awareness campaigns, though little has been achieved in practice.