PPP issues policy statement on child domestic servantsStaff ReporterThe Child Rights Group of the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPP), committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, strongly condemns the heinous abuse and exploitation of child domestic servants.Recent cases, such as the appalling incident involving Rizwana, a young domestic helper in Islamabad, highlight the urgent need to address this grave issue.Child domestic servants, being hidden from the public eye and vulnerable to all forms of abuse and exploitation, are often subjected to cruel treatment and enied their basic rights.
These children are deprived of their childhood and forced into a situation akin to slavery, which goes against the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.In light of these troubling circumstances, the Pakistan Pediatric Association issues the following policy statement:1. Prohibition of Child Domestic Servitude: Under no circumstances should children under 18 years be inducted into domestic service. The practice of employing children in domestic roles must be entirely eradicated to safeguard their rights, protect their well-being, and ensure access to education, health, and opportunities for personal growth.2. Legislative Measures and Implementation: The government must enact and enforce robust laws that explicitly prohibit the employment of children in domestic service. The laws should hold employers, abettors, agents and parents accountable for any violations and impose severe penalties for their involvement in such exploitation. Furthermore, the implementation of these laws must be closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness.3.
Education and Awareness: Comprehensive awareness campaigns should be conducted to sensitize the public, employers, and families of domestic workers about the detrimental effects of child domestic servitude. Educating society about children’s rights and the potential consequences of employing child labor is crucial to eradicating this practice.4. Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Establishment of confidential and safe reporting mechanisms, such as helplines and online platforms, where incidents of child domestic abuse and exploitation can be reported without fear of retaliation. These platforms should be accessible to both domestic workers and concerned citizens to ensure prompt action against perpetrators.5.
Social Welfare Programs: The government should implement social welfare programs to support families in need and provide alternatives to child labor. Such initiatives can include financial aid, vocational training, and skill development programs to empower parents and guardians to seek alternative means of livelihood.6. Monitoring and Inspection: Regular and rigorous monitoring and inspection of households employing domestic workers, conducted by appropriate authorities, will help ensure that no child is subjected to abuse or exploitation. Inspection teams must be well-trained to handle these sensitive situations professionally.7. Rehabilitation and Protection: For children rescued from domestic servitude, appropriate rehabilitation and protection services must be in place.
