Government Responsible for Safeguarding Children Under 18, Says SHRC

Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) held a consultative meeting in the International Day against Slavery. Discussions were held by government officials, civil society, and human rights activists on how to stop child labor in Sindh and forced labor in Sindh. The use of legal protections, enforcement, and awareness of the people were mentioned as among the steps taken.

Meeting Focuses on Modern Slavery and Exploitation

SHRC organized a conference to discuss the problem of modern slavery in Pakistan, debt bondage, and abuse of workers and children. Barrister Rida Tahir pointed out some of the major aspects of the Sindh Bonded Labour System Act 2015 and Sindh child protection Act 2021. She emphasized that all children below 18 are the responsibility of the state, which is in line with the UN norms.

Another key point that Tahir had to make was a robust legal safeguard of vulnerable persons and utilization of the 2018 Smuggling and Trafficking Acts.

Updates on Child Labor Laws

SHRC member and Sindh Assembly representative Barrister Shiraz Shaukat Rajper said the 2021 amendments provide a broader definition of child abuse. This strengthens enforcement against child labor, begging, and child trafficking.

SHRC Secretary Agha Fakhar Hussain said slavery exists in many forms. Ending it requires collective responsibility. Member Tahseen Fatima noted that economic issues and lack of education drive child labor in Sindh.

Altaf Khokhso, CEO of Pakistan Legal United Society, demanded special courts for vulnerable children. Activist Maheen Arif highlighted debt bondage as a major cause of modern slavery. Labour Department Regional Director Syed Athar Ali Shah said laws exist but enforcement remains weak. He added that minimum wage violations and unpaid overtime are forms of forced labor.

SHRC concluded that strict enforcement, interdepartmental coordination, and public awareness are essential to protect children and workers in Sindh.