The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work which is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and which interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school or obliging them to leave school prematurely.

The prevalence of child labour is higher in low-income countries, due to much higher poverty levels. According to the UNICEF 2017 report, in the world’s poorest countries, 25% of children (between the ages of 5-17) are engaged in labour, which is considered detrimental to their health and development.

Forms of Child Labour in Pakistan

Hazardous Work is one of the worst forms of child labour, in which children work in a dangerous environment that can cause harm to their wellbeing in many ways. For example, children working inside mines are at serious risk of injury from tunnel collapses or accidental explosions.

Domestic Work is where children (especially girls) are employed in private households for domestic work (CDL). Although domestic work is not included in the category of hazardous work, but the children engaged in this labour remain at high risk of multiple harm like physical, mental, emotional and child sexual abuse, rape, violence, torture, maltreatment, malnutrition, starvation, exhaustion, exposure to severe weather without appropriate shelter and clothing, all of which can result in serious health conditions, and in some cases even death.

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Overview of Child Labour in Pakistan by Sector/Activities

Source: (Bureau of International Labor Affairs)

Child Labour – International Conventions, National and Provincial Laws