MIRPUR MATHELO:
(By Tanveer Ahmed Soomro)
The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, organized a public hearing on human and labour rights due diligence and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions for socio-economic development of the district on Wednesday, 6th March 2024, at the DC office, District Ghotki.
During the consultation issues of environmental degradation, inadequate minimum wages, and the contamination of drinking water by factories were underscored. To address these concerns effectively, it is crucial to ensure the active involvement of diverse stakeholders, including community members, environmental experts, and industry leaders. The public hearing, attended by key stakeholders including government officials, representatives from the labor department, education sector, labor unions, corporate social responsibility (CSR) entities, civil society organizations and social activists signifies a collaborative approach to finding effective solutions.
Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of SHRC, presided over the session along with Mr. Agha Sher Zaman, Deputy Commissioner of Ghotki.
Mr. Abdullah, Program Advisor FES-Pakistan, emphasized the importance of business and human rights for Pakistan. He pointed out rights violations faced by the district, particularly by state actors and multinational companies. Despite being a major taxpayer, Ghotki grapples with challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited communication sources, and inadequate health and education facilities.
Mr. Detho expressed significant concerns over the lack of implementation of key provisions in various policies and agreements, he also highlighted the absence of female representation in labor unions, which is a violation of both international laws and the constitution of Pakistan, 1973. Underlining the commitment of SHRC to uphold human rights principles, Mr. Detho mentioned the United Nations guiding principles and the GPS+ Scheme, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to business and human rights. He further pointed out several key laws and acts in Sindh aimed at benefiting workers under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Rights. These include: the Sindh Industrial Relations Act, 2013, the Sindh Employees Old-Age Benefits Act, 2014, the Sindh Workers Compensation Act, 2015, the Sindh Minimum Wages Act, 2015, the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015, the Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017, the Sindh Employees Social Security Act, 2016, the Sindh Occupational Safety & Health Act, 2017, the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (Amendment) Act, 2022, the Sindh Workers Welfare Fund (Amendment) Act, 2023. These laws collectively aim to establish a robust legal foundation for safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers in various sectors.
Mr. Agha Sher Zaman, Deputy Commissioner of Ghotki, addressed misconceptions about CSR in the district and emphasized the need to improve legislations with the support of the community and labor unions. He also acknowledged the existence of private contractors violating labor laws.
Barrister Rida Tahir, Deputy Commissioner, drew attention to women’s labor issues, expressing concern over the absence of female representation in labor unions, hindering their voices from being heard.
During Question & answer session participants highlighted social and environmental issues affecting the community. Concerns ranged from inadequate health and education facilities to weak infrastructure and limited communication sources, all of which contribute to the struggle faced by the residents of the district.
Addressing the issues raised during the session, Mr. Detho affirmed the commitment of the SHRC to actively highlight these concerns and take up the case with the concerned authorities.
Mr. Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, Commissioner of Sukkur Division, attending the event as the chief guest. His commitment to resolving genuine public issues without discrimination is commendable. It’s also positive that he emphasized the role of the district administration in acting as a bridge between the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), unions, and local companies to foster positive relations. Events like these, organized by the SHRC and FES-Pakistan, provide valuable opportunities for consultation and information-sharing, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. It’s important to appreciate the efforts of both organizations in organizing such informative consultations in district Ghotki.
In a joint commitment, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and FES Pakistan pledged to address the concerns raised during the public hearing, aiming for tangible actions and improvements in the lives of the people of Ghotki. The collaboration seeks to foster a sustainable and responsible business environment that respects and promotes human rights.
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