960408

Workshop on child labour

'Child labour denies

right to education,

childhood to childern'

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Labour and ManPower, in collaboration with German Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and Casac has arranged a regional workshop on `Elimination of Child Labour from South Asia' from April,8 to 10.

The inauguration ceremony was held here on Monday at local hotel. The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee and Member National Assembly Rao Mohammad Hashim was the chief guest

Speaking on the occasion, Rao Hashim appreciated the effort of Ministry of Labour for arranging `such an important workshop on a very serious issue' which he described as an important and noble cause. "Existence of child labour is certainly a cause of serious concern to us. This phenomenon, we all know, denies the right to education and childhood to the children."

He emphasized the need to direct all efforts towards elimination of the scourge of child labour, " I compliment the organizers for taking the initiative and organizing such an excellent event on a much needed aspect."

Earlier, in his welcome address Dr.Sabur Ghayur, Deputy Representative of FES in Pakistan, said that FES attached great importance to the deliberations of such discussion events as they help in sharing of experience and also lead to formulation of concrete action plans.

Introducing FES , Sabur said that it is committed to democratic principles, pluralism, social justice and international understanding. It has been doing this work since mid 60's in South Asia by establishing the first office in this region in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was followed by the establishment of offices in India, Pakistan and Nepal respectively in mid 70's, mid 80's and mid 90's.

The delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany, USA and Sri Lanka are participating in the three day workshop. Beside other the representatives of Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Social Welfare, Planning Division, different Research Institutions, Carpet Manufacturers Association and Associations of labourers.

After the inauguration ceremony the participant took part in extensive deliberations and later question answer session regarding child labour. The key-note address was made by the Deputy Representative of FES, Dr.Sabur Ghayur.

The responsibility of facing the harsh and upsetting questions from the audience was laid upon the Director General Workers Division, Ministry of Labour and ManPower, Najmuddin Najmi.

He almost satisfied every individual from Pakistan and abroad who was anxious to know the work of the present Government on this sensitive and very perturbing issue which had been used against Pakistan so many times to sabotage its international trade activities.

Najmuddin Najmi disclosed that Government was desperately trying to evolve new viable employment policy, "though an employment policy exists but it needs to be reformulated in order to provide more employment opportunities."

The Government is working hard to eliminate this curse from the society. To enhance public awareness regarding child labour the Government has planned to produce TV dramas, Documentaries and songs, he said.-APP