Child Rights Activists Demand Stronger Laws Against Human Trafficking, Child Abuse

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Child rights activists have demanded of the government that it strengthen existing laws and policies aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking.

Speaking at a protest demonstration organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) outside the National Press Club on Monday, the protestors stated, “Let us stand united to declare that child servitude and human trafficking have no place in our society.”

The protest was organised against the brutal torture of a 14-year-old girl who has endured unspeakable suffering in the clutches of bonded labour and inhumane treatment as a house helper.

The demonstrators call on the government and relevant agencies to strengthen current laws and regulations aimed at preventing and fighting human trafficking, particularly those pertaining to child labour.

The demonstrators urged the public, authorities, and individuals involved to speak out in favour of strengthening and effective execution of the child protection legislation, claiming that this horrific case of child servitude and cruelty deserves immediate attention.

The young victim was caught in a cycle of bonded labour and has endured intolerable physical and emotional torture. They continued, “Her condition has now become critical, highlighting the urgent need for action and support to save her life and guarantee her recovery.”

Protestors added that child servitude and human trafficking are heinous human rights violations that have a lasting effect on the victims and tarnish society’s conscience. The current tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent necessity to rid our communities of these abhorrent customs.

Additionally, they urged that law enforcement agencies launch a prompt and complete investigation into this incidence of child slavery and human trafficking in order to apprehend the offenders.

The protestors also demanded a suo motu notice on this matter on the part of the honourable and respected chief justice of Pakistan and that Section 3 of the Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, be added to the First Information Report (FIR).

We must work together to protect the most vulnerable among us and create a safe environment for every child to thrive. Together, we can create a world where no child lives in fear or faces such horrifying exploitation, they further added.