M. Irshadullah Khan
PESHAWAR: The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the US Department of Labour (USDOL) jointly organized a two-day training workshop for journalists to tackle the pressing issue of forced labor in Pakistan.
The workshop, held under the BRIDGE project, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively report on forced labor and fair recruitment issues.
According to the ILO, forced labor affects an estimated 3.5 million individuals in Pakistan, constituting over 10% of the global total. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable, with a threefold higher risk of falling into forced labor compared to non-migrants.
Dr. Faisal Iqbal, national project coordinator at ILO, emphasized the critical role of media in raising public awareness and advocating for fair recruitment practices.
Renowned journalists Aoun Sahi and Sabook Syed led comprehensive training sessions, covering various aspects of forced labor and labor migration.
The workshop highlighted the 11 indicators recognized by the ILO to identify forced labor, including abuse of authority, deception, and excessive overtime. Participants demonstrated keen interest and active engagement, reflecting a collective commitment to combat and cover forced labor in Pakistan.
The issue demands urgent attention, with over 6.5 million Pakistanis seeking employment abroad in the last decade, predominantly in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The ILO report “Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labor” revealed staggering figures, indicating annual costs and profits of forced labor globally amounting to $236 billion.
By training journalists to effectively report on forced labor, the ILO and USDOL aim to promote fair recruitment practices and eradicate this grave violation of human rights in Pakistan.
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