Consultation on Bonded Labour and Child Domestic Labour
The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Obun2, organised a high-level consultation in Karachi on 21 August 2024 to critically assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Sindh Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 2015 and address the growing concerns around Child Domestic Labour (CDL). The consultation brought together key stakeholders from across sectors, including government representatives, legal experts, labour rights activists, and civil society organisations.
During the session on bonded labour, participants identified critical legislative and operational gaps impeding the full enforcement of the 2015 Act. Discussions focused on weak post-legislative scrutiny, inadequate coordination among relevant institutions, and poor functionality of District Vigilance Committees (DVCs). The need for systemic reforms was strongly emphasised, particularly in addressing poverty, ensuring access to social security, and enhancing the capacity of local administration to respond to bonded labour cases effectively.
The same day, SHRC hosted a focused session on Child Domestic Labour, drawing attention to its omission from the hazardous occupations list under the Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017. Mr. Qindeel Shujaat, Executive Director of Obun2 delivered a presentation focusing on the alarming issue of out-of-school children and economic exploitation in Pakistan and the critical challenge of child domestic labour. Mr. Qindeel underscored the importance of the international human rights framework and key conventions that safeguard children’s rights. He highlighted recent legislative efforts in Sindh, including the Sindh Domestic Workers Bill 2024, which aims to protect children from exploitation and ensure their right to education and a safe work environment. However, he pointed out that the mechanisms within these acts are often not adequately discussed or implemented.
Stakeholders expressed concern over the lack of legal protections for child domestic workers and the growing trend of abuse and exploitation in private households. The session included a critical review of the Sindh Domestic Workers Bill, 2024, which seeks to prohibit CDL. Participants proposed key amendments to the Bill, including stronger penalties, refined legal definitions, and robust enforcement mechanisms to better protect children from domestic exploitation.
This collaborative effort between SHRC and Obun2 highlights the ongoing commitment to strengthening labour protections in Sindh, ensuring the rights of bonded labourers and children are upheld through legislative reform, administrative accountability, and inclusive policymaking.
