Islamabad, A cadre of law enforcement officers in Balochistan has been fortified with new strategies to fight against forced labor and human trafficking, thanks to a training program completed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Held on April 16-17, the initiative equipped 40 officers from various provincial departments with critical expertise to address these pervasive issues.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the training forms part of the ILO’s “BRIDGE” project, supported by the United States Department of Labor, which aims to intensify global action against forced labor. This particular session is one among many efforts under the project, seeking not only to champion the ratification of the 2014 Protocol to the ILO Forced Labour Convention but also to enhance policy frameworks, legislation, and support systems for victims.

In Pakistan, the BRIDGE project is actively working to fortify the capabilities of law enforcement in Balochistan. The training was based on a tailored manual, born from an in-depth needs assessment and refined through a pilot session earlier this March in Quetta.

Sardar Mushtaq Ahmad Jaffar, Director General of Labour in Balochistan, acknowledged the ILO’s vital support and encouraged officers to apply their new knowledge effectively. His emphasis on the plight of women and children in sectors vulnerable to bonded labor underscored the urgency of the matter.

Geir Tonstol, Country Director of the ILO in Pakistan, stressed the importance of respecting fundamental rights to eradicate unacceptable working conditions. “Having laws in place is crucial, effective implementation is imperative,” he stated, affirming the ILO’s commitment to assist in promoting social justice throughout the region.