Child labour is known as the use of children as servants and slaves before adult age when they were considered minor in terms of the law. It’s been performed Since the history of mankind,
Not every work performed by juveniles is deemed child labor and should be outlawed. Participation of children or teenagers beyond the minimum age for entry to work in work that does not harm their health or personal development or interfere with their education is typically considered favorable. This includes activities such as aiding in a family company or earning pocket money after school and on weekends.
Child labour is an international issue that is often talked about but seldom discussed. In fact, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 20% of the world’s workforce is employed by children. This is especially true in poorer nations, where child labour is frequently the norm.
Child Labour as Problem :
There are a number of reasons why child labour is a problem. There are many worst situations where child labour is not just a problem but an offense
The most horrible kind of child labour is to exploit the children, separate them from their families, and treat them as slaves.
it is often extremely dangerous. Children are often exposed to hazardous conditions and are at a disadvantage when it comes to safety precautions.
it is often exploitative. Children are often forced to work long hours for very little pay. This can have a significant impact on their development, both physical health and mental growth.
Another big problem is children’s work with risky machinery, equipment, and tools, or manual handling or transportation of big goods.
Ask to operate underground, underwater, at heights, or in restricted places.
Child Labour in Pakistan :
Child Labour in Pakistan is a serious problem. The minimum working age is 12 years old, but many children are working much longer hours than that . There is a huge number of child labours in pakistan The government has a number of laws to protect children from exploitation in the workplace, but they are not always enforced. There is a lot of child labour in the agricultural sector, in factories, and in the informal economy.
According to Stats :
21.5 percent of children aged 5 to 14 labour in Sindh Province. In Pakistan, around 11 million youngsters engage in agriculture and domestic duties. Other youngsters serve as bonded workers in the brick business alongside their families. In Pakistan, this sort of forced child labour is used in the brick, carpet, and coal sectors.
There are a number of organizations that work to protect the rights of children in the workplace. They try to educate parents about the dangers of child labour, and they work to get children out of the workforce. There is a lot of work to be done to make child labour in Pakistan a thing
Causes of Child labour in Pakistan :
Child labour is a widespread issue in many regions of the world. There are many reasons for child labour, but some of the most common causes are :
1 : Poverty:
One of the primary reasons for child labour is poverty. Some families can’t afford to send their children to school and instead have them work to help support the family. When children are working, they don’t have time to get an education.
2 : Corruption:
Another reason for child labour is corruption. Some employers force children to work long hours for little pay. This is often done to get around laws that protect children from working.
.
3. Low Aspiration.
A lack of desire among parents and children is a key source of child labour, because in such circumstances, working at a local factory or selling groceries on the streets is the norm.
4. High demand for unskilled labourers.
Another reason for child labour is the demand for unskilled labourers. Children are usually untrained and constitute a low-cost labour source, making them an appealing alternative for many avaricious employers. These sorts of companies can also push youngsters to labour in hazardous settings.
5. Illiteracy.
A well-educated society acknowledges the value of going to school and pursuing one’s aspirations. Many people, on the other hand, struggle to grasp the value of education due to illiteracy. Most illiterate individuals do not support children, and they are unable to attend a school or lay solid foundations for future success.
6. High cost of education.
In Pakistan, a good education is prohibitively expensive. Many poor parents prioritize providing food for their families since education is too expensive to afford, especially when there are several children to pay school fees for. Instead of sending their children to school due to a lack of funds, parents prefer to have them work as unskilled labourers to help support the family.
Prevention / Solutions:
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent child labour. First, you can educate yourself and your children about the dangers of child labour. Second, you can get involved in your community and advocate for laws and policies that prevent child labour. Finally, you can support organizations that work to prevent child labour.
There are some other solutions that are helpful in the prevention of child Labour
1. Free education.
2. Moral growth.
3. Create Oppurtunities for skilled workers
4. Awareness. 5. Empowerment of poor people
Child Labour Laws in Pakistan:
There are some laws and regulations under Pakistani law and constitution of Pakistan
Article 3:
The state should ensure the abolition of all types of exploitation and the progressive realisation of fundamental principles, from everyone according to his capacity and to each according to his effort.
Article 11(3):
No child under the age of 14 shall be employed in any industry, mine, or other dangerous occupation.
Article 25(A):
states that the state shall offer free and compulsory education to all children aged five to sixteen years in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 37(e):
The state shall establish provisions for providing reasonable and humane working conditions, ensuring that women and children are not employed in occupations that are inappropriate for their age or gender, and maternity benefits for women in employment.
THE PUNJAB RESTRICTION ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN ACT 2016