Child labour, law & the state
A few quick thoughts
There are several imp aspects & details which need to be revisited so far as reform of law re to 'child labor' is concerned. Specific to Zohra's case a couple of issues, among others, are worth pointing out.
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A few quick thoughts
There are several imp aspects & details which need to be revisited so far as reform of law re to 'child labor' is concerned. Specific to Zohra's case a couple of issues, among others, are worth pointing out.
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1) a change in federal law i.e. the Employment of Children Act 1991 won't have an impact in provinces; provincial laws must also change which in this case is the Punjab Restriction on Employment Act 2016.
2) mere addition of 'domestic labor' to the schedule could keep the
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2) mere addition of 'domestic labor' to the schedule could keep the
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possibility of differing interpretations of the law open unless definition clauses are not duly amended.
The best option is to make child labor related laws simpler. The aim should be to minimse incidence of child labour permitted under the law i.e. labour for under 18.
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The best option is to make child labor related laws simpler. The aim should be to minimse incidence of child labour permitted under the law i.e. labour for under 18.
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Child labor inspection system should be robust and it should be part of the larger national & provincial child protection systems without which all prohibitory laws are likely to fail.
A few other relevant suggestions follow hereafter
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A few other relevant suggestions follow hereafter
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Consider the possibility of immediately banning child domestic labour;
Do not focus too much on penalties, instead prioritise prevention;
Educate & motivate parents not to indulge in practices harmful to children;
Enhance state's role in children's education & welfare.
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Do not focus too much on penalties, instead prioritise prevention;
Educate & motivate parents not to indulge in practices harmful to children;
Enhance state's role in children's education & welfare.
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Implement right to edu. etc.
These are just a few suggestions which should be part of a larger national debate.
It requires no rocket science to start but love & care for children and admission of the neglect we display toward children at all levels starting in our own homes.
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These are just a few suggestions which should be part of a larger national debate.
It requires no rocket science to start but love & care for children and admission of the neglect we display toward children at all levels starting in our own homes.
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