BY SUMBAL IKRAM
Child Labour is employment of children of less than a specific age which is almost 15. The International Labour Organization (ILO) states in its latest World Report on Child Labour that there are around 265 million working children in the world – almost 17 percent of the worldwide child population.
Child Labour is a violation of fundamental human rights which cause lack of children’s development, potential leading to lifelong physical or psychological damage.
Evidence points to a strong link between household poverty and child labour and child labour perpetuates poverty across generations by keeping the children of the poor out of school and limiting their prospects for upward social mobility.
Pakistan’s reputation has been considered as one of the worst child labour offenders. More than 12.5 million children are involved in child labour in Pakistan. 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.
In Pakistan, 38.8 percent of the population is living in poverty, with four from one individuals living in poverty. For many citizens in Pakistan, it is difficult to find a job or to secure one paying enough to provide for a family. Students from impoverished backgrounds who are unable to enter school are most likely to become affected by child labour in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s constitution has some laws for child labour which are not being followed. Article 3 of the constitution says the state shall ensure the elimination of all forms of exploitation and the gradual fulfillment of fundamental principle, from each according to his ability and to each according to his work.
Article 11(3) says no child below the age of 14 years shall be engaged in any factory or mine or any other hazardous employment. Similarly, Article 25(A) reads: The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as determined by law. Article 37(e) says the state shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work, ensuring that women and children are not employed in vacations unsuited to their age or sex.
Adult unemployment increases because people get their work from children at low wages. This is an illegal act and violation of the law.
We need to create awareness at public level. We need to motivate children as well as parents that must prefer education instead of labour. We also need to reduce the factors that lead to child labour. Also government needs to take strict action on that and provided opportunities that make people financially strong.
Child labour is a very serious issue in Pakistan and one can’t neglect it. If we want to grow, we need to use our talent efficiently, give them right path and provided them good education. Government also needs to take some pro-active measures to resolve the problem.
Also read:Improving education system
(The writer is a student of National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad. She can be reached at Email: sumbalikram444@gmail.com)
