Karachi: A recent workshop in Lahore, organized by the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) and supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO), underscored the urgent need to eradicate forced labor in the brick kiln industry to ensure its sustainability and combat poverty. The event, part of the BRIDGE Project, aimed to empower members of the Brick Kilns Owners Association Pakistan (BKOAP) with knowledge and strategies to eliminate forced and bonded labor practices.
According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, EFP Secretary General Syed Nazar Ali highlighted the critical impact of forced labor on society, describing it as a human rights violation that impedes societal development and sustains poverty. The workshop, the seventh in a series of capacity-building efforts, focused on educating BKOAP members about the legal and human ramifications of forced labor.
Shoaib Niazi, Chairman of BKOAP, acknowledged the vital support from EFP and ILO in enhancing the understanding of forced labor among brick kiln owners. He emphasized the session’s role in familiarizing participants with international standards and local legislation, which are essential for advocating for realistic changes in policies concerning minimum wage and social security within the sector.
Dr. Javaid Gill, a consultant for the session, provided an in-depth presentation on the connections between forced labor and ILO Conventions, as well as the UN Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery. He also discussed the role of vigilance committees at district and provincial levels in enforcing laws and facilitating rehabilitation.
The discussions also addressed several sector-specific challenges, including the need for adjustments to minimum wage laws to reflect regional economic conditions and the integration of family-based work dynamics within existing labor laws.
This workshop represents a significant step towards improving working conditions in the brick kiln sector and promoting responsible business practices across Pakistan.