Differently-abled persons: SHRC calls for setting up special courts

KARACHI: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) held a dialogue on the elimination of child labour and bonded labour in Sindh to suggest effective strategies for addressing the serious human rights issues, including the above ones.

The interactive session to mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was participated by government officials, labour representatives, civil society organizations, and human rights activists.

Barrister Rida Tahir, SHRC Member for Business and Human Rights, provided an overview of the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015 and highlighted that a child was defined as a person under the age of 18 in the Sindh Child Protection Authority (Amendment) Act- 2021 which was in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

She said that the SHRC observed this important day for the Abolition of Slavery with calls for stronger protection. She highlighted that the Trafficking of Persons Act- 2018 and the Smuggling of Migrants Act- 2018 have been enacted to safeguard the rights of vulnerable individuals.

Member of SHRC and MPA, Barrister Shiraz Shoukat Rajper, highlighted that the Provincial Assembly of Sindh amended the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act in 2021, introducing an expanded definition of abuse. The revised definition now provides children with better protection to combat issues like child labour, child beggary, and child trafficking.

He also underscored the importance of promoting compulsory education in rural areas, expanding vocational training opportunities, and upholding the rule of law to protect vulnerable communities.

The Secretary SHRC welcomed all participants on behalf of the Sindh Human Rights Commission. He said today’s consultation reminds us that modern-day slavery persists, and it is our collective duty to address forced labour, child labour, and exploitation.

The SHRC’s expanded mandate strengthens our resolve to protect vulnerable workers and children. Let this gathering inspire meaningful action, stronger coordination, and lasting change across Sindh.

Tehseen Fatima, SHRC Member, Human Rights emphasized that cases of bonded labour and child labour should be incorporated in the duties of the District Vigilance Committees.

She highlighted that child labour persisted due to socioeconomic challenges and the lack of proper facilities and infrastructure in educational institutions.

Altaf Khoso, CEO of Pakistan Legal United Society, underlined the need for improved employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, including children. He stressed that dedicated courts should be established for their protection.

Maheen Arif highlighted that child labour continued to be linked with modern slavery due to debt bondage.

Sayed Athar Ali Shah, Regional Director, Labour & Human Resources Department, Karachi, said that while the legal framework, relevant acts, and safeguards already existed, the key challenge was to ensure their effective implementation.

He explained the definition of forced labour and added that agricultural cases are also being addressed in labour courts.

He mentioned that labour laws had been consolidated and, although originally designed for the formal sector, steps were being taken to reduce gender discrimination.

He also pointed out that non-payment of minimum wages and unpaid overtime constitutes forms of bonded labour. He acknowledged the government’s progress, noting that child labour had decreased from 20 percent in 1996 to 10 percent, although bonded labour existed.

The SHRC urged for effective law implementation, inter-departmental coordination, and community awareness to protect children and workers from bonded and child labour in Sindh.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025