Criminalizes Child Domestic Labor as Non-Bailable Offense

APP
Islamabad: The National Child Rights Commission (NCRC) has drafted a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at preventing child domestic labor.
The proposed bill demonstrates a strong commitment by criminalizing child domestic labor as a non-bailable offense. It aims to implement consistent child rights legislation that applies uniformly throughout Pakistan.
A pivotal provision within the bill underscores the pressing requirement to establish a standardized age for children, in harmony with the principles of the Child Rights Convention, specifically advocating for the age of 18.
The legislation is drafted by National Child Rights Commission (NCRC) in consultation with drafted different stakeholders representatives from UNICEF, the ILO, the Ministry of Human Rights, and various other organizations, according to a press release issued by the law ministry.
The consultation was held in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The issue is exacerbated by child labor in various sectors, such as brick kilns, carpet factories, and the ominous nexus of narcotic terrorism. Children engaged in domestic labor are subjected to health risks, rights violations, disrupted education, and exposure to violence and brutality.
The Ministry of Law and Justice has pledged its full support to facilitate the enactment of the Child Domestic Labor Law to address the multifaceted challenges posed by child labor. The proposed legislation aims to go beyond being merely punitive; it seeks to fully incorporate the commitments made in the Child Rights Convention.
As the consultation concludes, there is a shared sense of urgency among stakeholders to expedite the legislative process. The commitment of all participants signals a united front against child domestic labor. The proposed child domestic labor draft bill represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights and future of its children.