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Sunday, November 03, 2013
BLLF Pakistan forms ‘provincial monitoring network’LAHORE: Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan (BLLF Pakistan) established a provincial level ‘Monitoring Network for Eradication of Bonded Labour System in Pakistan’. The provincial monitoring network consists of members of the ‘district monitoring committees’ that were formed after a series of district-level consultations for eradication of bonded labour system.
In this regard, a provincial consultation meeting was held at the CIWCE on November 1. The programme was sponsored by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). The main objective of the meeting was to assess the situation of the brick kiln workers in the respective districts and review the results of the district-level consultations; development and review the plan of proactive measures and specific responsibilities for the concerned stakeholders; and establish a provincial-level network for better coordinator and advocacy with the stakeholders.
The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Chairman IA Rehman, whereas ILO Country Coordination Muhammad Binyameen, Labour Director (headquarters) Syed Hasnad Javid, district labour officer Pakpattan and Sheikhupura, PILER Punjab Coordinator Tariq Awan, Syeda Ghulam Fatima, Mahar Safdar Ali and Imran Naseem were amongst the keynote speakers.
Beside the prominent speakers and experts on bonded labour, members of district monitoring committees from Sheikhupura, Nankana, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Gujranwala participated in the meeting.
While addressing the meeting, the chair stressed the importance and need of the provincial monitoring network. Whilst appreciating the measures of the government he said that without the vigilance of the civil society, mere government cannot eradication bonded labour system from the country.
On the occasion Syed Hasnat Javed said that the Labour Department commits to own the recommendations and monitoring mechanism evolved by the form.
He said a man is born free and no religion or constitution allows enslaving him. He acknowledged the right to freedom of each human being. He informed the meeting that the Labour Department had registered more than 90 per cent of the brick kilns in Punjab. Javed announced that the Labour Department would register the remaining kilns in a very short time. He informed the meeting about the strict directions of the labour secretary for implementation of minimum wage board award.
On the occasion, ILO Country Coordinator Binyameen appreciated the formation of the provincial monitoring network formed under the BLLF.
The representatives of district monitoring committees presented the reports of their districts concerned and informed the participants about the initiatives being taken by the respective district administration for labourers. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk