Thunder Bolt
FULL MEMBER
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2015
- Messages
- 1,054
- Reaction score
- 1
- Country
- Location
Article
By Muhammad Waqas
Brandon Stanton, from the Humans of New York (HONY) fame, has done it! On his recent visit to Pakistan, he has shown the country in a new light to the world, while also forcing the countrymen to pause and think about some common problems in their society. His coverage on the struggle of a female activist fighting against bonded labor was by far the most appreciated series from his tour. To support her cause, he has managed to raise over $1.3 million and raise awareness about the ordeal of bonded laborers in brick kilns across the country.
The issue of bonded labor is complex and needs to be seen in the sociocultural context of Pakistan’s rural setting. This menace is highly prevalent in different sectors of Pakistan, including agriculture, brick kilns, domestic services and other cottage industries. Women, children and other marginalized groups in rural areas make a large proportion of the workforce in these sectors. This underprivileged and disempowered workforce is more vulnerable to exploitation, especially in the absence of any formal, written contracts to safeguard their rights. These poor workers fall into the trap of bonded labor upon seeking financial support from their feudal landlords at ridiculously high interest rates that compound over time.
Given the challenges of rampant poverty, low socioeconomic development and employment opportunities, the workers predictably fail to repay the debts and future generations are inevitably chained into slavery.
According to 2014 Global Slavery Index, an estimated 2.1 million people are enslaved in Pakistan. Ironically, Pakistan has also endorsed several international agreements related to abolishment of forced labor and slavery. Despite the existence of Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1992, the ground realities remain grim and extent of such exploitation remains concealed. Like most other laws in Pakistan, implementation of this Act was poor and showed weak political resolve to eradicate this worst form of human exploitation.
It is about time that the government pays serious heed to the issue of bonded labor. The HONY fund-raising campaign went viral, but there has been no official word from the government on this matter. While the funds raised by HONY will help in obtaining legal assistance for the victims, this initiative needs to be supported by legislative action. Rather than devising new laws, the provincial governments must commit themselves to practically implement the provisions of Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1992 and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
There is a need to build institutional capacity through increased budgetary allocations to bonded labor elimination programs, building relief and rehabilitation centers, and providing more social protection to these vulnerable workers.
Unavailability of accurate statistics related to forced labor and acceptance of this phenomenon in the villages poses another challenge to intervention efforts. A formal study should be initiated to gain a deeper perspective of this problem and devise an effective action plan based on the findings. Promotion of education and empowerment of workers in the rural areas will gradually change the feeble mindset that accepts defenselessness.
There is surely a long road ahead for Pakistan in the fight against bonded labor, but this is the right time to take the first few baby steps.
By Muhammad Waqas
Brandon Stanton, from the Humans of New York (HONY) fame, has done it! On his recent visit to Pakistan, he has shown the country in a new light to the world, while also forcing the countrymen to pause and think about some common problems in their society. His coverage on the struggle of a female activist fighting against bonded labor was by far the most appreciated series from his tour. To support her cause, he has managed to raise over $1.3 million and raise awareness about the ordeal of bonded laborers in brick kilns across the country.
The issue of bonded labor is complex and needs to be seen in the sociocultural context of Pakistan’s rural setting. This menace is highly prevalent in different sectors of Pakistan, including agriculture, brick kilns, domestic services and other cottage industries. Women, children and other marginalized groups in rural areas make a large proportion of the workforce in these sectors. This underprivileged and disempowered workforce is more vulnerable to exploitation, especially in the absence of any formal, written contracts to safeguard their rights. These poor workers fall into the trap of bonded labor upon seeking financial support from their feudal landlords at ridiculously high interest rates that compound over time.
Given the challenges of rampant poverty, low socioeconomic development and employment opportunities, the workers predictably fail to repay the debts and future generations are inevitably chained into slavery.
According to 2014 Global Slavery Index, an estimated 2.1 million people are enslaved in Pakistan. Ironically, Pakistan has also endorsed several international agreements related to abolishment of forced labor and slavery. Despite the existence of Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1992, the ground realities remain grim and extent of such exploitation remains concealed. Like most other laws in Pakistan, implementation of this Act was poor and showed weak political resolve to eradicate this worst form of human exploitation.
It is about time that the government pays serious heed to the issue of bonded labor. The HONY fund-raising campaign went viral, but there has been no official word from the government on this matter. While the funds raised by HONY will help in obtaining legal assistance for the victims, this initiative needs to be supported by legislative action. Rather than devising new laws, the provincial governments must commit themselves to practically implement the provisions of Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1992 and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
There is a need to build institutional capacity through increased budgetary allocations to bonded labor elimination programs, building relief and rehabilitation centers, and providing more social protection to these vulnerable workers.
Unavailability of accurate statistics related to forced labor and acceptance of this phenomenon in the villages poses another challenge to intervention efforts. A formal study should be initiated to gain a deeper perspective of this problem and devise an effective action plan based on the findings. Promotion of education and empowerment of workers in the rural areas will gradually change the feeble mindset that accepts defenselessness.
There is surely a long road ahead for Pakistan in the fight against bonded labor, but this is the right time to take the first few baby steps.
