Nazir Ahmed ( lawyer)
Child labour is much discussed issue in human rights literature today. It has become global concern, as it has received much attention from jurists, legislators and several national and international organizations. It is a common phenomenon in developing as well as underdeveloped countries; where poor families sent their children to work for economic sustenance. However, now it has got an immense importance from people around world. Many researchers have highlighted the effects of hazardous child labour. Meanwhile, this article is an attempt to remind the law-enforcement agencies and law interpreters, of this swelling societal issue. The basic question is , what is child labour? Child labour is a work ; that deprives children of their childhood , their potential and their dignity. It harms children mentally, physically, morally and socially. It either interferes with their schooling or preventing them from attending or concentrating. It may involve them being enslaved, separated from their families and exposed to serious hazards and illness. Apparently it ensures the survival of poor children and their families. But at the same time, it has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of children. Is child labour legal in Pakistan and rest of existing world? Prior to prescribe that question, it is must to mention the global reports on this issue. Almost half of the child labour happens in Africa ( 72 million children) , followed by Asia and pacific ( 62 million) . 70 percent of children in child labour work in agriculture, mainly in subsistence and commercial farming and herding livestock. According to UN reports still there 152 million children involved in child labour. The ( UNICEF) report on child protection claims; Nearly 1 in 10 children across the globe are subjected to child labour, almost half of whom are in hazardous work. At present, Pakistan is also notorious on earth as one of worst child labour offender, despite of several sections included in constitution, that rejects the child labour. More than 12.5 million children are involved in child labour in Pakistan. According to Reuters, ” Pakistan’s labour force survey, 2014-15 showed that of those children aged between 10 and 14 years active in child labour; 61 percent were boys and 88 percent came from rural areas. ” The reports depicts that child labour is rapidly expanding on globe. Legalization of child labour is also a question mark ?? But, it is crystal clear that no nation extends it’s support towards child labour nor such country exists, where child work is termed legal. There are regional and global laws that illegalize child labour, But ,it is not enough , if these are not implemented thoroughly; and that might be due to socioeconomic factors like, high inflation, unemployment, economic instability and so on. Apart from this ,the world biggest democracy (India) resist the child labour through , (child labour prohibition and regulation) act ,1986 to protect and safeguard Young employees. More ever, international labour organization (ILO), an organ of UN also showed dissent to legalization of child labour. Hence it launched a world day against child labour in 2002. And now each year on 12th of June the world day brings together; governments, employers, workers, organizations, civil society ,as well as millions of people around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers ,and what can be done to help them. Where as, when it comes to Pakistan it also guarantee and ensures child protection and it’s rights. Aa article 11 of constitution state that: “no child below the age of 14 years shall be engaged in any factory, mine or in any other hazardous employment.” Furthermore, Article 25-A of constitution, “makes it compulsory for government to provide free education to all children between the ages of 5 and 16.” Additionally, Sindh government also passed a bill ,(prohibition of employment of children act ) which establish 15 as minimum age for employment and 19 as minimum age for hazardous profession. Despite all such laws and regulations, eliminating child labour has become hard nut to crack, particularly for Pakistan. State has failed completely,to ensure it’s constitutional and legal rights to children. A large number of underage workers are not only being tortured by their masters regularly, but are also being exploited sexually specially female employees. In recent past, when I went to a hotel located near to my residence in Karachi. The unkind eyes of mine witnessed a kid been victim of child labour. When I ordered for cup of tea, it was served to me by a kid (probably with the age of 8 or 9 years), after a long wait. When I enquired for late , he heading downwardly asked: sir it will not happen next time! Despite of his apology, I complained to Manager who later dealt very harsh to boy in front of me. On very next day I went to same hotel. After few minutes same boy approached me, this time urging me innocently if I can make a call to his parents? I surprisingly sounded …parents! Who is that long bearded men (directing towards manager?) the boy frightendenly answered ,he is owner of hotel not my father. Then pointing to (other weighters), I asked;are they your siblings? Hearing it he answered, no they are not. They are just my co-workers and I share blood with none of knowing it I was shocked and shuffled. But I asked him; then where are you from? I heard from his mouth “quetta.” I kept on questioning ,until I found complete information regarding him. Apparently, the kid seemed normal but, he sighted mentally frustrated and internally demoralized. After I made him talk to his parents, he later, revealed his complete story; saying that it has been a year to his work as Waiter here and after few days he is returning back to his home with his father’s acknowledgement. I tried to know his monthly payment or weekly wage. At once, he replied I just earn livelihood and gets 150 to 200 per week, instead of working for whole day here. I don’t know about my salary as it directly goes to my father’s jab. I could not control my emotions and was immensely ashamed of my arrogant behavior to boy, earlier. Beside it, I felt pity on the system and society where a 8 years old boy is sent miles away from home to earn and deal with strangers. Though, at this age he should not have been sent miles away for acquiring education. This hurting incident compelled me to write and raise voice in their support. unfortunately, there are ,and there would be thousands of stories like this, but yet untold. Indeed! there are legal ways and laws to diminish every social evil but these worth nothing when does not implemented by state. Meanwhile, child labour is among widespread human rights issues. it is practiced less in economically strong nations as compared to unstable countries. In countries like Pakistan, with hand-to-mouth economic progress, Children are driven into work for various reasons. Most often, child labour occurs when families face financial challenges or uncertainty- weather due to poverty, sudden illness of care giver,or job loss of primary wage earner . To sum- up, child labour would be the destroying and degrading issue for human society on earth if not tackled immediately and seriously. still there is ray of hope that, it will be eliminated and erdicated soon as various international organizations are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the child protection and safety .Thus, fortunately, UN reports claims that child labour has decreased by 38 percent in last decade. So let’s take initiatives and Start awareness campaigns to bring it’s end. It’s time to accelerate the pace of progress, it’s time to inspire legislative and authorities concerned, to eliminate child labour for good.
