University of Swat
Human Resource Management
Submitted by: Syed Azlan Shah
Submitted to: Mr. Abdul Mateen
Department: Tourism & Hospitality Management
Semester: 8th Semester
Topic: Child Labour
Class No: 35
Roll No: 201735
Submitted on: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Child Labour
Introduction
The term “child labour” is often defined as work that deprives children of their
childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and
mental development. It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially, or
morally dangerous and harmful to children; and interferes with their
schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school; obliging them to
leave school prematurely; or requiring them to attempt to combine school
attendance with excessively long and heavy work.
Hazardous Work: This includes any work that exposes children to physical,
psychological, or sexual abuse; involves heavy lifting; working with dangerous
machinery, equipment, or tools; or involves long hours.
Worst Forms of Child Labour: Defined by ILO Convention No. 182, this
includes slavery, trafficking, forced recruitment for armed conflict, prostitution,
pornography, and illicit activities like drug trafficking.
Historical Context
1. Industrial Revolution
19th Century Europe and North America: During the Industrial Revolution,
child labour was rampant in factories, mines, and agriculture. Children worked
long hours under dangerous conditions for minimal pay.
Early Reforms: The growing awareness of the harsh conditions led to early child
labour laws, such as the Factory Act of 1833 in the UK, which limited the working
hours of children and mandated schooling.
2. 20th Century
Global Shift: Post-World War II, many developed countries implemented strict
child labour laws, and the focus shifted to developing countries.
Modern Day: Despite progress, child labour remains a significant issue in many
parts of the world, particularly in regions facing economic and social challenges.
Causes of Child Labour
1. Economic Factors
Poverty: Families living in poverty often rely on the income generated by their
children for survival. Child labour is seen as a necessary means to supplement
family income.
Economic Shocks: Sudden economic downturns or natural disasters can force
children into the workforce.
2. Social and Cultural Factors
Cultural Norms: In some cultures, work is seen as an essential part of upbringing,
and children working is a socially accepted norm.
Gender Bias: In many societies, girls are more likely to be engaged in child labour
due to discrimination and lower prioritization of girls' education.
3. Political and Legal Factors
Weak Legislation: Inadequate laws and lack of enforcement contribute to the
persistence of child labour. Some countries lack comprehensive legal frameworks
to protect children.
Conflict and Instability: Regions affected by conflict, political instability, and
natural disasters often see higher rates of child labour due to disrupted schooling
and economic hardship.
Consequences of Child Labour
1. Health and Safety
Physical Health: Child labourers are often exposed to hazardous conditions, such
as toxic chemicals, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks that can
cause injuries and long-term health issues.
Mental Health: The psychological stress from long hours, abuse, and lack of
recreation can lead to severe mental health problems.
2. Educational Impact
Limited Schooling: Children engaged in labour often miss out on education,
which limits their future opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Quality of Education: Even when children do attend school, the combination of
work and schooling often results in poor academic performance and early dropout
rates.
3. Social Impact
Social Development: Child labour interferes with children's social development,
preventing them from participating in normal childhood activities and forming
healthy social relationships.
Global Statistics
Prevalence: As of recent estimates, approximately 160 million children are
engaged in child labour worldwide. Nearly half of these children are involved in
hazardous work.
Regional Distribution: The highest prevalence of child labour is found in Sub-
Saharan Africa, followed by Asia and the Pacific. In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in
five children is engaged in child labour.
Legal Frameworks and Policies
1. International Conventions
ILO Convention No. 138: Sets the minimum age for employment at 15 years (13
for light work) and aims to eliminate child labour.
ILO Convention No. 182: Focuses on the elimination of the worst forms of child
labour, including slavery, trafficking, and hazardous work.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): This comprehensive treaty
covers children's rights, including protection from economic exploitation and
harmful work.
2. National Laws
Country-specific Legislation: Different countries have various laws addressing
child labour, reflecting local contexts and challenges. For example, India's Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act prohibits the employment of children in
certain hazardous occupations and processes.
Enforcement Issues: Many countries struggle with the effective enforcement of
child labour laws due to corruption, lack of resources, and socio-economic
pressures.
Case Studies
1. Case Study 1: India
Industries: India has a significant number of child labourers in agriculture, textile,
and brick kilns. The country has stringent laws, but enforcement is often weak due
to poverty and social norms.
Interventions: Efforts such as the Right to Education Act and various NGO
initiatives aim to reduce child labour by promoting education and providing
vocational training.
2. Case Study 2: Bangladesh
Garment Industry: Bangladesh has a history of child labour in the garment
industry. However, efforts by the government, international organizations, and
NGOs have led to significant reductions.
Ongoing Challenges: Despite progress, child labour persists in informal sectors
like domestic work, street vending, and small-scale industries.
3. Case Study 3: Brazil
Bolsa Família Program: This conditional cash transfer program provides
financial aid to poor families on the condition that their children attend school and
receive vaccinations. This has been effective in reducing child labour.
Comprehensive Approach: Brazil's success is attributed to a combination of legal
frameworks, social programs, and community involvement.
Efforts to Combat Child Labour
1. International Organizations
ILO: Implements programs like the International Programme on the Elimination
of Child Labour (IPEC) to combat child labour globally.
UNICEF: Focuses on child rights and supports initiatives to improve access to
education and protect children from exploitation.
2. Non-Governmental Organizations
Save the Children: Advocates for child rights and provides educational and
vocational training programs.
World Vision: Works with communities to improve living conditions, support
education, and create child-friendly work environments.
3. Government Initiatives
Conditional Cash Transfers: Programs like Brazil's Bolsa Família incentivize
education over child labour by providing financial support to families.
Educational Programs: Efforts to improve access to and quality of education,
such as building schools in rural areas and offering free meals, help reduce child
labour.
Proposed Solutions
1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
Enhanced Legislation: Countries need to implement and enforce stricter laws
against child labour, including comprehensive monitoring and reporting
mechanisms.
International Cooperation: Countries should work together to address cross-
border issues related to child labour, such as trafficking and exploitation.
2. Economic Interventions
Poverty Alleviation: Develop programs aimed at reducing poverty, such as
microfinance initiatives, job creation, and social safety nets.
Social Safety Nets: Establish safety nets, such as unemployment benefits and child
allowances, to support families in crisis.
3. Education and Awareness
Access to Education: Improve access to quality education by building schools,
training teachers, and providing scholarships and free school supplies.
Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to change cultural perceptions and
raise awareness about the negative impacts of child labour. This can involve
media, community outreach, and collaboration with local leaders.
Child Labour Issue In Pakistan
Child labor is a persistent and complex issue in Pakistan, with millions of children
engaged in various forms of work that deprive them of their basic rights and hinder
their development. Despite legislation prohibiting child labor, it remains a
significant concern due to a combination of socio-economic factors.
Causes of Child Labor in Pakistan
The prevalence of child labor in Pakistan can be attributed to several interrelated
factors:
1. Poverty and Lack of Education
Poverty is the primary driver of child labor in Pakistan. Many families are forced
to send their children to work as a means of survival, depriving them of
educational opportunities. The lack of access to quality education, inadequate
educational infrastructure, and limited resources contribute to low enrollment rates,
making children vulnerable to exploitation.
2. Cultural Norms and Traditions
Certain cultural practices and traditions in Pakistan perpetuate the idea that
children should contribute to household income from a young age. This mindset,
coupled with a lack of awareness about the negative consequences of child labor,
makes it challenging to address the issue effectively.
3. Informal Economy and Cheap Labor
The demand for cheap labor in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and
domestic work fuels the exploitation of children. Employers often prefer to hire
children because they are more compliant, easier to control, and can be paid lower
wages than adults.
4. Political and Economic Factors
Political instability, lack of consistent reforms, and flawed democratic institutions
have contributed to the rise of child labor in Pakistan. Economic factors such as a
weak economic base, unemployment, and income inequalities have also played a
significant role in perpetuating the problem.
Effects of Child Labor on Health and Well-being
Child labor has profound effects on the health and well-being of children. The
physical, mental, and emotional consequences of engaging in labor at a young age
are severe and long-lasting:
1. Physical Health Issues
Child labor often exposes children to hazardous conditions and physically
demanding tasks, which can lead to injuries, accidents, and chronic health
problems. Working in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and mining
increases the risk of physical injuries, respiratory illnesses, and exposure to
harmful substances.
2. Malnutrition and Stunted Growth
Working children often have limited access to nutritious food and proper
healthcare. They are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, which can result in
stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to
diseases.
3. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Child labor robs children of their childhood and denies them the opportunity to
engage in play, education, and social development. The stress, trauma, and
psychological pressures associated with labor can lead to mental health disorders
such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
4. Lack of Education and Skills
Working instead of attending school deprives children of education and hampers
their intellectual development. Without adequate education, children face limited
opportunities for personal growth and skill acquisition, which can impact their
future prospects and overall well-being.
5. Exploitation and Abuse
Child labor exposes children to exploitation, abuse, and hazardous working
conditions. They may be subjected to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by
employers or co-workers, leading to severe psychological trauma and long-term
mental health issues.
6. Social Isolation and Limited Opportunities
Child labor often confines children to work environments, isolating them from
their peers and limiting their social interactions. This isolation can hinder their
social skills development, self-esteem, and ability to form meaningful
relationships.
7. Interference with Healthy Development
Engaging in labor at a young age interferes with a child's normal physical,
cognitive, and emotional development. It can impede their ability to learn,
problem-solve, and develop essential life skills, ultimately impacting their overall
development and potential.
Types of Child Labor in Pakistan
Child labor in Pakistan encompasses a range of sectors, including:
- Agriculture: Children work in fields, often exposed to harmful pesticides and
extreme weather conditions.
- Manufacturing and Industry: Child labor is prevalent in industries such as
carpet weaving, glass bangle making, and brick kilns.
- Domestic Work: Many children, especially girls, are employed as domestic
workers, often facing exploitation and abuse.
- Street Work: Children engage in street vending, begging, and other informal
activities to supplement family income.
- Bonded Labor: Some children are trapped in debt bondage, working to pay off
family debts to landlords or employers.
Child Labor Laws in Pakistan
Pakistan has ratified several international conventions and protocols related to
child labor, including the ILO Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst
Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182). The country has also enacted
various laws to prohibit and regulate child labor.
- The Constitution of Pakistan: Article 11 prohibits all forms of slavery, forced
labor, and child labor.
- The Employment of Children Act, 1991: This law prohibits the employment of
children in hazardous occupations and processes.
- The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1992: This law abolishes the
bonded labor system and prohibits the employment of children in bonded labor.
- The Factories Act, 1934: This law regulates the employment of children in
factories and sets minimum age requirements.
Despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains a challenge, and child labor
continues to persist in various sectors.
Recent Statistics on Child Labor in Pakistan
As of 2023, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that 3.3
million children in Pakistan are involved in child labor. This can include hazardous
work, domestic servitude, and bonded labor. Some other statistics on child labor in
Pakistan include
2017-18 Pakistan Labour Force Survey
13.7% of children aged 10-17 were involved in child labor, with 5.4% in hazardous
work
2022-2023 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Labour Survey
73.8% of child laborers worked in hazardous conditions, including 69,446 working
with hazardous tools, 111,631 in hazardous industries, 426,446 working hazardous
hours, and 206,539 working at night
Federal Bureau of Statistics
Over 700,000 children aged 10-14 work in agriculture and brick kilns, and
648,000 boys and girls over 15 work in brick kilns
Efforts to Combat Child Labor in Pakistan
Various stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and
international agencies, have taken steps to combat child labor in Pakistan:
1. Government Initiatives
The government of Pakistan has taken several measures to address child labor,
such as:
- Developing the National Policy and Plan of Action to Combat Child Labour
(2000)
- Establishing the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development
(NCCWD)
- Implementing the Compulsory Primary Education Act in various provinces
2. Civil Society Initiatives
Civil society organizations in Pakistan have been actively involved in raising
awareness about child labor, advocating for policy changes, and providing support
to affected children and families. Some notable initiatives include:
- The Aga Khan Development Network's efforts to provide education and skills
training to children at risk of child labor
- The Indus Resource Centre's work in establishing child labor-free zones in
various communities
- The Sindh Education Foundation's initiatives to improve access to quality
education in underserved areas
3. International Cooperation
Pakistan has received support from international organizations and agencies to
combat child labor, such as:
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) has provided technical assistance
and funding for various projects aimed at eliminating child labor
- UNICEF has collaborated with the government to improve access to education
and social protection for children at risk of child labor
- The United States Department of Labor has funded projects to combat child
labor in Pakistan's brick kiln and surgical instrument manufacturing industries
Child labor remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, with millions of children
deprived of their basic rights and subjected to physical, mental, and emotional
harm. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder
approach that addresses the root causes of poverty, lack of education, and cultural
norms that perpetuate child labor.
The government of Pakistan must strengthen its legal and policy frameworks,
ensure effective enforcement of child labor laws, and invest in quality education
and social protection programs. Civil society organizations and international
agencies should continue to support these efforts by raising awareness, advocating
for change, and providing direct assistance to affected children and families.
By working together to combat child labor, Pakistan can ensure a brighter future
for its children and promote sustainable development for the country as a whole.
