Bonded labour (or debt-bondage) is a widespread socio-economic phenomenon in Pakistan, affecting over three million people. Bonded labour is especially prevalent in the rural and agricultural sectors, particularly in the brick kiln sector in Punjab.
Poverty-stricken, plagued by sharp inflation and exploitative employers, bonded labourers work in unregulated kilns with weak labour inspections, non-functional district vigilance committees (DVCs) and lax implementation of regulations. The labourers lack necessary facilities such as safety equipment, medical coverage, clean drinking water, and social protection.
NCHR met with a family of freed bonded labourers and interviewed them. The family had been trapped in a cycle of bonded labour for 30 years. NCHR interviewed another man who inherited his father's debt equivalent to 450 USD, and spent 32 years trying to pay it off.
NCHR launched a report on the issue of bonded labour in Pakistan, with policy and other recommendations.
Link to NCHR report: [ Ссылка ]
