LAHORE: Civil society organisations from 18 districts on Wednesday demanded a comprehensive strategy backed by strong political will to focus on child protection.

The call was made during an event to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, held under the theme “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”.

MPA Salma Butt highlighted the significance of political and economic stability, as well as the consistency of government policy decisions, in addressing the issue of child labour. She praised the financial incentive programmes for brick kiln workers, which had encouraged them to send their children to school instead of work, although these programmes were later discontinued.

Child Protection & Welfare Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmed said that the cabinet committee on legislative business had approved the first-ever child protection policy.

This policy would serve as a tool to guide the various departments of the Punjab government on the actions required to address the broader issue of child protection.

Other speakers noted that despite having a legal framework to deal with child labour, the Punjab Child Labour Survey Report indicated that 13.4 per cent of children were still engaged in various forms of child labour.

They expressed concern over the unsatisfactory progress in implementing Section 3 of the Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019, which prohibits employing children under the age of 15 for domestic work.

In her message on International Day Against Child Labour, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “Today is a day to renew our pledge to protect children from exploitation and ensure their right to education and a childhood free of labour.”

The University of Management and Technology (UMT) organised an event to mark World Day Against Child Labour.

UMT President Ibrahim Murad emphasised the need for decisive action to eradicate child labour through education and effective legislation.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding young children, who are the architects of the nation’s future.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2024