Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) to jointly work on combatting trafficking in persons, bonded labour and other human rights issues in the province of Sindh through capacity building, advocacy, research and policy making. The MOU was signed by Chairperson SHRC Iqbal Ahmed Detho and Executive Director SSDO Syed Kausar Abbas.
Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), emphasized that the SHRC is a statutory body. He added that many acts are present facing challenges with coordination and implementation.
He outlined the three pillars of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report: prevention, protection, and prosecution, noting its national launch and Pakistan’s complex structures, including the Treaty Implementation Cell (TIC) in Sindh. He highlighted Pakistan’s ratification of 27 conventions and the SHRC’s launch of the GSP+ report. Detho also discussed Articles 3, 11 and 25 on equality, the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015, and district vigilance committees. The development of SOPs for police and prosecution was also addressed.
Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), shared significant insights regarding the progress of the Technology and Innovation Program during the 2023-24 timeframe. His comprehensive update highlighted the strides made by SSDO in leveraging technology and innovation to address pressing social challenges. Abbas underscored the organization’s commitment to pioneering solutions that foster sustainable development and enhance societal well-being. He noted that Trafficking in Persons is connected to the budget and emphasized the importance of engaging parliamentarians on this issue.
Barrister Rida Tahir, Legal Adviser, SHRC gave an overview of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, noting that it is a federal law which was enacted in 2018 whereas the rules were formulated in 2020. Ms. Tahir highlighted that the majority of victims of trafficking are women and children who face sexual exploitation and abuse. To addresses the increasing instances of sexual violence, the Parliament of Pakistan also enacted the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021. Additionally, she highlighted the Anti-Rape Crisis Cells are being established across Sindh and emphasized the importance of providing victim and survivor-centric protection mechanisms to women and children.
Naveed Arain, Deputy Secretary, Home Department, Government of Sindh highlighted that Home Department is conducting quarterly meetings of Provincial and Districts Committees for combatting human trafficking/bonded labour. He also updated that Home Department is coordinating with federal and provincial departments for implementing the Federal Action Plan for Combatting Trafficking in Persons.
Muhammad Anwar Mahar from District Public Prosecutor, Sindh Government shared that after the enactment of the TIP, 28 special district prosecutors were nominated. However, he noted that desired conviction results are not being achieved due to a lack of coordination among the criminal justice system actors.
Shahla Qureshi, PSP and AIGP Gender Crime and Human Rights Sindh Province, reported that trafficking in persons, including bonded or forced labor cases, were documented in 2023. She added that 1,910 investigation officers were trained. The reported cases included 190 instances of sex trafficking, 12 of bonded labor, and 204 of unspecified exploitation, totaling 406 cases.
Mr. Reejhu Mal Sajnani, Law Officer at the Labour Department discussed the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015, highlighting existing gaps in the legislation. He mentioned that the Labour Department is working on passing a new bill to address these gaps and ensure that TIP cases are also covered under the new law. He also highlighted ILO Conventions C29 and C105 in his discussion.
Abdul Hameed Quershi Assistant Director FIA shared that they are handling external trafficking cases. He reported that three trafficking cases and 51 smuggling cases related to migration were registered in Karachi.
Progress achieved by the provincial departments on the Technology and Innovation Program was discussed during the meeting. Representatives from key departments including Social Welfare , Sindh Child Protection Authority, Women Development Department, Prosecution, Sindh Police, F.I.A, and the Labour and Human Resources Department were present.
They provided updates on their respective initiatives, showcasing collaborative efforts aimed at leveraging technology and innovation to address societal challenges and enhance service delivery.
