Breaking the Chains: Empowering Bonded Workers’ Voices and Participation
The Breaking the Chains: Empowering Bonded Workers’ Voices and Participation project is a comprehensive initiative to combat bonded labor, social exclusion, and workers’ rights violations in Pakistan’s brick kiln industry. The project operates across 120 brick kilns in Punjab and Sindh, specifically in Umerkot, Hyderabad, Multan, and Khanewal, addressing systemic injustices through legal aid, capacity building, vital registrations, non-formal education, and healthcare services
Provides comprehensive legal support to help bonded laborers escape exploitative conditions and assert their rights.
- 615 bonded laborers released from forced labor conditions through 150 legal cases.
- 318 complaints filed by workers with government departments, leading to legal action and policy interventions.
- Legal workshops conducted for workers and stakeholders to raise awareness about labor rights and legal protections.
Legal Aid and Justice for Bonded Workers
Workshops & Trainings for Stakeholders
Fosters dialogue and awareness through targeted workshop and training sessions involving workers, employers, and government officials.
- Six workshops with brick kiln owners to promote ethical labor practices.
- Six workshops with brick kiln workers to educate them on their rights and available support.
- Four workshops with influencers to generate public discourse on forced labor and workers’ rights.
- Eight training sessions for government departments and key stakeholders on implementing bonded labor laws.
Established a collaborative network to enhance coordinated efforts against bonded labor.
- Created the Labor Facilitation Network to unite organizations working on labor rights issues.
- Strengthened advocacy efforts through joint campaigns, policy dialogues, and legal interventions.
- Developed a multi-sectoral approach by engaging labor unions, civil society groups, and human rights organizations.
Labor Facilitation Network Formation
Non-Formal Education (NFE) for Children of Brick Kiln Workers
To prevent child labor and ensure educational access, SPARC has established Non-Formal Education (NFE) centers within brick kiln premises.
- 50+ NFE centers established, providing safe learning spaces for over 2,000 children.
- Mainstreamed education programs to transition students into formal schooling.
- Community engagement initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of education and child labor prevention.
Document Registrations for Workers & Families
SPARC facilitates the legal identity registration of workers and their families, enabling them to access social benefits and rights.
Key Achievements:
- 4,000+ birth certificates and CNICs processed, empowering families with official identification.
- 60 brick kilns in Umerkot and Hyderabad officially registered with the labor department, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
- Increased legal recognition of workers, helping them secure employment rights and government assistance.
Health, Safety, and Sustainable Livelihoods
SPARC promotes healthcare access, occupational safety, and economic resilience among brick kiln workers.
Key Achievements:
- Addressed 1,600+ health cases, including critical burn injuries caused by unsafe working conditions.
- Distributed 1,600+ PPE kits to improve workplace safety.
- Established 500+ kitchen gardens within workers’ homes, improving food security and self-sufficiency.
Impact & Sustainability
Through legal support, education, health services, and economic empowerment, the project has:
Rescued bonded laborers and restored their rights.
Increased awareness about labor rights and forced labor laws.
Strengthened government accountability on bonded labor issues.
Provided safe learning environments for children to escape child labor.
Improved healthcare and occupational safety conditions for workers.
Future Directions
SPARC remains committed to:
Expanding legal aid efforts to free more bonded workers.
Increasing access to education for more children of laborers.
Strengthening labor policies through advocacy and policy reforms.
Enhancing healthcare initiatives and workplace safety programs.
Building economic opportunities for workers beyond bonded labor.
The Breaking the Chains project is a sustained fight against bonded labor, ensuring justice, dignity, and empowerment for brick kiln workers and their families. Through multi-sectoral advocacy, legal interventions, and community-driven initiatives, SPARC continues to drive systemic change for a more just and equitable future.
