Syeda Ghulam Fatima Urges Action Against Forced Labor

In a recent seminar held in Lahore, Syeda Ghulam Fatima, Secretary General of the Bonded Labour Liberation Front (BLLF) Pakistan, called for urgent action to combat forced labor and the illicit organ trade involving kiln workers. The seminar, organized by the BLLF on International Labour Day, brought together key figures to address pressing issues such as forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.

Fatima emphasized the need for a specialized government task force to eradicate forced labor and ensure the inclusion of kiln workers in social safety nets. Her impassioned appeals were supported by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Human Rights Minister, who pledged government support to address labor rights violations and announced plans to establish a task force to enforce labor laws and provide social security for kiln workers.

Speakers at the seminar highlighted the detrimental impact of rising inflation on vulnerable communities, leading to an increase in forced labor practices. They proposed legislative reforms to prosecute perpetrators of forced labor and enhance compensation for affected workers.

Following the seminar, a large labor rally was organized, where workers demanded increased budget allocations for children's health and education, economic support for the unemployed, and strict enforcement of labor laws. The rally underscored the determination of workers to fight for their rights and urged the government to take decisive action against forced labor across various sectors.

The seminar and rally underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts between the government, civil society organizations, and labor unions to combat forced labor and safeguard the rights and dignity of workers nationwide.