• By uncovering abuses of power, corruption, and violations of fundamental freedoms, investigative reporting contributes to democratic accountability
• For me, journalism is fundamentally a public service. The role of a journalist is not only to inform but also to protect democratic values, give voice to society, and contribute to transparency and accountability – Greek Journalist Dimitrios Kannavos

Hailing from Greece, Dimitrios Kannavos is an accomplished journalist and an active figure in the fields of media, culture, and public service. He serves as a Member of the Audit Committee of the European Association of Journalists – Hellenic Section, and is also a Founding Member of the International Union of Cretan Journalists and Mass Media, contributing significantly to the advancement of journalistic standards and international cooperation. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with numerous national and international awards for his work, community service, and dedication to cultural promotion.

By ANGELA KOSTA

Dr. Kannavos, could you outline your professional career path, highlighting the stages that have most significantly contributed to your training in the field of international journalism?

My professional journey in journalism has been shaped by a deep commitment to public interest reporting, international dialogue, and investigative work. Over the years, I have worked across different areas of media, including investigative journalism, international reporting, cultural diplomacy, and digital media strategy. A significant milestone in my career has been the establishment and leadership of the Hellenic Media Group, a platform dedicated to responsible journalism, international cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values. Through this work, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with journalists, academics, and cultural figures across Europe and the United States. Another important step has been the development of the Hellenic Los Angeles Network, which aims to build bridges between Greece, the Greek diaspora, and the international creative community. These initiatives have strengthened my understanding of journalism not only as a profession but also as a global civic responsibility.

You conceive journalism as a mission of responsibility and service to society. In what way does this vision guide your professional work?

For me, journalism is fundamentally a public service. The role of a journalist is not only to inform but also to protect democratic values, give voice to society, and contribute to transparency and accountability. This philosophy guides every aspect of my work. Responsible journalism requires independence, ethical integrity, and respect for truth. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, journalists must act as guardians of reliable information. My work aims to promote journalism that serves society rather than power. This means focusing on accuracy, fairness, and the broader social impact of reporting.

With reference to international relations and investigative journalism, what do you consider to be the main challenges today in terms of independence, accuracy, and source protection?

One of the greatest challenges today is maintaining editorial independence in an environment where economic pressures, political influence, and digital disinformation increasingly affect the media landscape. Investigative journalism also faces growing risks related to the protection of sources and the security of information. Journalists must operate within complex geopolitical contexts where information can be manipulated or weaponized. To confront these challenges, strong ethical standards, legal protections for journalists, and international cooperation between media organizations are essential.

In addressing issues related to humanitarian action and civil protection, which principles do you consider essential to ensure accurate and responsible reporting?

When reporting on humanitarian crises, journalists must prioritize accuracy, human dignity, and contextual understanding. It is crucial to avoid sensationalism and to ensure that reporting reflects the realities faced by affected populations. Responsible journalism should highlight the human dimension of crises while also providing verified and balanced information. At the same time, journalists must be aware of the ethical responsibility involved when reporting in sensitive environments, especially where vulnerable communities are concerned.

As a Member of the Supervisory Committee of the European Association of Journalists – Hellenic Section, which initiatives do you consider a priority for strengthening ethics and the quality of information in Europe?

As a member of the Supervisory Committee of the European Association of Journalists – Hellenic Section, my role focuses primarily on oversight, transparency, and institutional accountability. The Supervisory Committee is responsible for reviewing and supervising the financial activities and administrative procedures of the Board of Directors, ensuring that the organization operates with integrity, transparency, and compliance with its statutes. Beyond this institutional responsibility, I believe that strengthening ethical journalism in Europe requires continuous professional training, support for independent journalism, and strong mechanisms for transparency and accountability within media organizations. At a time when public trust in information is being challenged by disinformation and political polarization, journalistic institutions must reinforce their internal governance structures and ethical frameworks. Ensuring credibility, transparency, and responsible management within professional associations is an essential step in strengthening the broader credibility of journalism in Europe.

As a Founding Member of the International Union of Cretan Journalists and Mass Media, what role do you attribute to international cooperation among media professionals?

International cooperation among journalists is essential in today’s interconnected world. Media professionals must work together to share knowledge, protect press freedom, and strengthen professional standards.

Organizations that promote international collaboration create valuable networks that allow journalists to exchange perspectives and address global challenges collectively.  Such cooperation also reinforces the cultural and democratic role of journalism beyond national borders.

In a global context characterized by increasing disinformation, what contribution can journalistic institutions offer to safeguard the credibility of information?

Journalistic institutions play a crucial role in protecting the credibility of information. They must promote professional ethics, support investigative journalism, and strengthen verification mechanisms. In addition, media organizations must invest in digital literacy and public education so that citizens are better equipped to distinguish reliable information from misinformation. The credibility of journalism ultimately depends on transparency, accountability, and consistent adherence to ethical principles.

In your view, what is the relationship between investigative journalism and the protection of human rights in contemporary societies?

Investigative journalism is closely linked to the protection of human rights. By uncovering abuses of power, corruption, and violations of fundamental freedoms, investigative reporting contributes to democratic accountability. Journalists often serve as watchdogs of society, bringing attention to issues that might otherwise remain hidden. This role is essential for the protection of civil liberties and the promotion of justice. In many cases, investigative journalism has played a decisive role in exposing human rights violations and prompting institutional reforms.

Looking at the evolution of the media landscape, which structural transformations do you consider most significant for the future of the profession?

The most significant transformations include the rapid digitalization of media, the emergence of new communication platforms, and the global circulation of information in real time.

While these developments offer new opportunities for journalism, they also create challenges related to misinformation, economic sustainability, and audience trust. The future of journalism will depend on the ability of media institutions to adapt technologically while maintaining strong ethical foundations.

What message would you like to address to the new generations of journalists who are entering an increasingly complex and constantly evolving international context?

To the new generation of journalists, I would say that integrity is your most valuable asset. In a world filled with noise and competing narratives, the commitment to truth and ethical reporting must remain the guiding principle. Journalism requires courage, curiosity, and responsibility. Young journalists should continue to pursue knowledge, remain independent in their thinking, and always remember that journalism serves society.

Despite the challenges, journalism remains one of the most important pillars of democracy.

Read: Journalism’s role in combating authoritarianism

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Angela Kosta Executive Director of MIRIADE Magazine, Academic, journalist, writer, poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, translator

The post Investigative Journalism Shields Human Rights first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Laiba Riaz

I wish to express my deep concern over the growing neglect and violation of human rights in our society today. Human rights form the very foundation of freedom, justice, and peace, principles that are indispensable for ensuring human dignity and equality. They are not merely legal or moral ideals but the cornerstone of all human existence, providing every individual with the opportunity to live with respect, work with fairness, and thrive in a supportive environment. By safeguarding human rights, we help guarantee the fulfillment of basic human needs such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education, while also protecting individuals from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, these fundamental rights are being undermined due to persistent poverty, social inequality, corruption, political instability, and a general lack of awareness. Incidents of child labor, domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and the denial of access to education and healthcare continue to expose the harsh realities endured by countless vulnerable individuals. Such violations not only strip people of their dignity but also hinder the progress and moral development of entire societies.

It is, therefore, the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and citizens to uphold and defend the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Governments must ensure the strict implementation and enforcement of laws that protect these rights, while civil society organizations, educational institutions, and the media should play an active role in promoting awareness, advocating for justice, and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.

True progress can only be achieved when every person, regardless of gender, race, religion, or social status, is treated with respect and provided equal opportunities to realize their potential. I sincerely hope that this pressing issue receives the urgent attention it deserves from the concerned authorities, and that concrete, sustained measures are taken to guarantee the protection and promotion of every individual’s fundamental human rights. Only through such collective commitment can we build a more just, compassionate, and humane world for all.

Read: Linguistic Human Rights

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Laiba Riaz, based in Rawalpindi, is LLB (1st Year) student

The post Protection and Promotion of Human Rights first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Child labor remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing moral and economic dilemmas a crisis that exposes the country’s deep inequalities in income, education, and social protection. While the issue has long existed in the shadows, Sindh has now taken a crucial step toward confronting it through the Sindh Child Labor Survey (SCLS) 2023–2024 a landmark collaboration between the Sindh Bureau of Statistics (BoS), the Planning and Development Department, the Labor and Human Resource Department, and UNICEF. For the first time, Sindh has an evidence-based, province-wide picture of how children live, learn, and work. The findings are sobering and they compel action.

A Landmark in Data and Accountability

The SCLS covered 56,967 households across 29 districts, representing children aged 5–17 years in both rural and urban settings. It found that 10.3 per cent of Sindh’s children are engaged in labor  a figure that reflects thousands of young lives trapped between poverty and lost opportunity. The survey also provides the first district-wise breakdown of child labor prevalence. The results reveal a stark divide between Sindh’s rural and urban regions.

Highest prevalence: Sujawal (35.1%), Tharparkar (25.6%), and Umerkot (25.5%) districts where chronic poverty, drought, and scarce schools push children into work.

Moderate prevalence: Thatta (19.8%), Badin (20.8%), Mirpurkhas (18.3%), and Jacobabad (17.5%) still alarming but less extreme.

Lowest prevalence: Malir (2.7%), Karachi South (3.0%), and Karachi East (3.1%) where better infrastructure and livelihoods reduce dependency on child labor.

Map highlights a clear pattern

Child labor is concentrated in Sindh’s southern and eastern rural belts, while Karachi’s urban districts show comparatively lower rates. The geography of exploitation mirrors the geography of poverty. Roots of Exploitation Child labor in Pakistan, including Sindh, arises from a web of interlinked economic and social pressures. Poverty and economic necessity remain the primary drivers. With nearly 40 per cent of Pakistan’s population living below the poverty line, many households rely on their children’s earnings just to survive. Educational deprivation is another factor. Inadequate schools, poor quality teaching, and high dropout rates leave children with few alternatives to work. Rural areas where schools may be miles away are especially vulnerable. Cultural norms also play a role. In many communities, child labor is seen as part of growing up. Boys are expected to help earn income, while girls are confined to unpaid domestic work.  Weak law enforcement allows the practice to continue. Labor inspections are infrequent, penalties for violations are rare, and coordination between agencies remains weak.

Lastly, Pakistan’s large informal economy from agriculture to workshops to home-based manufacturing keeps millions of workers, including children, outside the protection of labor laws.

Law on Paper, Gaps in Practice Pakistan’s legal framework against child labor is extensive and aligned with international conventions, but implementation remains inconsistent.

Article 11(3) of the Constitution prohibits the employment of children under 14 in factories or hazardous occupations.

The Employment of Children Act (1991) and Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act (2017) restrict child employment and regulate adolescent work.

The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act (2011) sets up mechanisms for rescue, welfare, and rehabilitation.

Pakistan has ratified ILO Conventions 138 and 182, committing to abolish child labor in all forms.

Despite this strong legal base, child labor continues largely unchecked, especially in informal sectors where oversight is minimal. The gulf between law and practice remains one of Pakistan’s greatest governance failures.

Institutions and Implementation Challenges The fight against child labor involves multiple actors:

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development formulates the national labor policy.

Provincial Labor Departments are responsible for enforcement.

The Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) works on rescue and rehabilitation.

Civil society and NGOs support awareness, education, and reintegration.

However, these efforts are fragmented and underfunded. Labor inspections are often symbolic, child protection units lack staff and budgets, and data-driven policy is rare. Without sustained coordination, child labor remains a “shared problem” with no single owner.

Historical Context: Where It All Began

Child labor as a global issue dates back to the Industrial Revolution in 18th-century Britain, when children were employed in factories, mines, and textile mills for long hours and little pay. As industrialization spread across Europe and North America, child exploitation became widespread, sparking moral outrage and reform movements.  The creation of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 1919 marked a turning point, establishing child protection as a core principle of labor rights. Yet, more than a century later, the ILO estimates that 160 million children worldwide are still in child labor the majority in developing regions of Africa and Asia. Pakistan, with millions of working children, remains part of this global challenge.

Bridging the Gaps: What Must Be Done?

The Sindh Child Labor Survey provides not just data, but direction. To turn evidence into action, the following steps are critical:

Strengthen Enforcement: Conduct regular inspections, ensure penalties, and empower local authorities to act swiftly against violators.

Invest in Education: Build and staff quality schools, especially in high-prevalence districts, and expand non-formal education for out-of-school children.

Enhance Social Protection: Introduce cash transfers and livelihood support for poor families to reduce reliance on child income.

Community Awareness: Launch campaigns to challenge cultural acceptance of child labor and highlight its long-term harm.

Institutionalize Data Collection: Repeat provincial surveys every few years to track progress and inform policy.

Without addressing the economic roots and institutional gaps, child labor cannot be eradicated through legislation alone.  A Call to Conscience the SCLS 2023–2024 is not just a survey it is a mirror reflecting our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable. Each percentage point represents thousands of children whose dreams have been deferred by circumstance. Sindh has taken the first crucial step by documenting the problem. The next step is to act decisively to turn numbers into narratives of change and to ensure that no child’s childhood is spent in labor. Because the true measure of progress is not GDP growth or infrastructure, but whether every child can go to school instead of work.

Read: Education in Pakistan: Inequality Rebranded

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Sindh’s Children Burdened By Labor first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Women in rural areas are key agents. They play a catalytic role in achieving the transformational economic, environmental, and social changes required for sustainable development. However, limited access to credit, healthcare, and education are among the many challenges they face. These issues are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering women is essential—not only for the well-being of individuals, families, and rural communities but also for overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.

With equal resources, women could contribute much more. It is estimated that if women farmers had the same access as men, agricultural output in 34 developing countries would rise by an average of up to 4 percent. This could significantly reduce the number of undernourished people in these countries, translating into fewer millions of hungry individuals.

Pakistan has inherited a very efficient and hardworking rural women labor force. While women’s participation is evident across every sector of the economy, it is heavily concentrated in agriculture. Rural women perform numerous labor-intensive jobs such as weeding, hoeing, grass-cutting, picking, cotton stick collection, and seed separation from fiber, among others. Women also collect wood from fields, which is a major fuel source for cooking.

Access to clean drinking water is another major problem in rural areas. Fetching water from remote areas is also women’s duty. Additionally, rural women are responsible for maintaining livestock and related activities such as milking, milk processing, and preparing butter and ghee. Livestock is primarily a subsistence activity to meet household food needs and supplement farm income. A majority of peasants own some livestock, and their livestock strength is influenced by various factors such as farm size, cropping patterns, and the availability of range land, fodder, and pasture.

It is a common practice in rural areas to include an animal as part of a woman’s dowry. The number of small ruminants (sheep and goats) per family is typically three. Studies reveal that rural women earn, on average, Rs. 8,780 annually from the sale of animals. They also clean animals, livestock sheds, water, and milk animals. Moreover, they are responsible for collecting cow dung and preparing dung cakes, activities that also contribute to the income of poor families.

Evidently, rural women are involved in almost all livestock-related activities. The Labour Survey of Pakistan (2006-07) revealed that 31 percent of animal feeding is done by women; they also carry out 58 percent of milking and milk processing, and 90 percent of dung cake preparation. Nearly 90 percent of women are involved in shed cleaning, and 85 percent in collecting farmyard manure. Watering duties are performed by 69 percent of women. Men, however, share responsibilities such as caring for sick animals.

Poultry farming is another major source of rural income, and women’s participation at the household level plays a central role. Despite not necessarily using modern management techniques like vaccination and improved feed, their enterprise in this sector is impressive, and annual income from poultry farming continues to increase.

Traditionally, cotton picking is an activity exclusively performed by women. According to the labor survey, 89 percent of women participate in cotton picking. They are also extensively involved in other activities, such as hoeing (30 percent) and weeding (22 percent).

A rural woman’s day begins at dawn and ends at dusk. Her routine includes house cleaning, fetching drinking water, dish-washing, laundry, and preparing food for the family, caring for children, tailoring, and sewing clothes. She manages these activities very efficiently.

Although rural women supply half of the country’s food production, their own food security remains at risk. Most poor rural women suffer from malnutrition and have poor health. Women farmers are often ignored in development strategies and policies. Despite their extensive involvement, their social, economic, and political status remains low.

For improving their situation and recognizing their contributions to agriculture and allied fields, the following recommendations are proposed:

The roles of women in the rural economy and informal sectors should be formally recognized, and their labor contributions should be accounted for in monetary terms.

Steps should be taken to ensure poor rural women have access to land, agricultural and livestock extension services, and support mechanisms.

Easier access to micro-credit should be provided to women.

Urgent measures should be implemented to enhance female literacy and improve their educational levels. A separate education policy for women may be beneficial.

Laws and policies should be framed to eliminate negative customary practices, and access to justice should be improved.

Since many of the poorest people in the world are women, eradicating poverty is a key challenge for rural women.

Food security, which has four main components—availability, access, utilization, and stability—will improve if women have access to necessary assets, resources, and a voice in decision-making impacting their households and communities.

Read: Depleting, Polluted Aquifers in Thar Desert

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Systemic Discrimination against Rural Women first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Taghrid BouMerhi | A renowned Lebanese-Brazilian poet and writer

In the quiet corners of the world, in villages where the horizon is often blurred by tradition, the lives of young girls are being stolen, piece by piece. It is not a game, but a tragic and unspoken reality—a reality that traps these girls in the web of child marriage. They are made to trade their innocence for the weight of adult responsibilities, torn from the safety of childhood before their hearts are ready to carry the burdens thrust upon them.

Child marriage, a phenomenon that continues to scar millions of girls across the globe, is not a choice—it is an imposition. For many, it is a family’s decision, dictated by poverty, misguided tradition, or the desire to preserve what they believe is their daughter’s honor. But for the girl, it is an abrupt end to her dreams, her laughter, and the simple joys of her youth. It is a shattering of her world.

In a child’s life, there are supposed to be years filled with curiosity, wonder, and growth. There is the expectation of learning, exploring, and discovering who she truly is. Yet for the child bride, those years are erased. Marriage takes away her education, her freedom, and the chance to grow into the woman she could have been. Instead, she is thrust into a role that requires maturity beyond her years, a role for which she is not prepared, emotionally or physically.

The consequences are harsh and irreversible. The body of a young girl is not ready for the demands of marriage and motherhood. Her health suffers as her body is pushed beyond its limits. Childbirth, in particular, can lead to life-threatening complications—complications that too often take the lives of young brides before they even get a chance to see their own children grow up.

The world is beginning to wake up to the staggering cost of child marriage, but it is not enough. The voices of resistance must grow louder

Beyond physical harm, the psychological toll is equally devastating. The stolen childhood of a young bride manifests in feelings of isolation, fear, and a deep sense of powerlessness. The dreams she once had are replaced with the grim reality of domestic chores, forced intimacy, and the loss of any agency over her own future. In these quiet moments, when the weight of her reality settles in, she may wonder if the life she dreamed of ever existed at all.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is power in education, and there is strength in solidarity. When girls are given the opportunity to learn and grow, they are empowered to break free from the cycle of child marriage. The dreams they hold close can be nurtured into reality, but only if we choose to stand beside them in their fight for freedom.

The world is beginning to wake up to the staggering cost of child marriage, but it is not enough. The voices of resistance must grow louder. Girls who resist, who refuse to accept a life defined by the constraints of marriage and early motherhood, must be celebrated. Their bravery becomes the beacon for others to follow.

We must stand firm in our commitment to protect the childhoods of these girls. It is not a game—this is their life, their future. They deserve the right to be children, to dream, to live without fear or limitation. In the face of tradition and oppression, we must choose hope. We must choose empowerment. And we must choose a future where every girl can grow into the woman she was always meant to be.

It’s not too late. The stolen childhoods of young brides can be returned, one voice, one change, and one act of defiance at a time.

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Taghrid BouMerhi is a renowned Lebanese-Brazilian poet, essayist, translator, and journalist. She serves as the President of CIESART Líbano, appointed by the International Chamber of Writers and Artists. An editor for over 10 print and online magazines, Taghrid bridges cultures through her literary and media work. She has authored 23 books and translated 40 books along with hundreds of poems and literary works. Recognized globally, she was named one of the top 20 international journalists by Legacy Crown. Taghrid’s achievements have earned her numerous international awards, highlighting her role in modern literature and cultural exchange.

The article first appeared in a powerful literary and artistic collection marking the 15th Woman Scream Festival

Courtesy: Enheduana

The post The Stolen Childhood of Young Brides first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

The National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) organized a Textile and Garments Workers Conference at a local hotel in Karachi on Friday. Textile and garments workers and their union representatives, along with workers from export-dominant factories producing merchandise for big international fashion brands from across the country, attended the conference.

The conference discussed frameworks like Pakistan Accord (PA), Global Framework Agreements (GFAs) between IndustriALL Global Union and clothing brands, German Supply Chain Due Diligence Legislation (SCDDL), and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), their implementation mechanisms, their problems, and their impact on millions of workers engaged in the textile and garment sector.

The conference was presided over by Syed Sajjad Hussain Gardezi, Pakistan Textile Workers Federation (PTWF) General Secretary.

Addressing the participants online, IndustriALL Global Union’s Textile Garments Shoes and Leather (LGSL) sector co-chair Victor Garrido Sotomayor said that GFAs between IndustriALL and international clothing brands had established fundamental standards for worker protection. These agreements addressed freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, anti-discrimination measures, living wages, working hours, and environmental protection measures. The GFAs provide a crucial mechanism for ensuring worker rights and sustainable practices across global supply chains.

Nasir Mansoor, NTUF General Secretary, said that the Pakistan Accord, established in 2023 in Pakistan, was built on the Bangladesh Accord created after the 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse that killed over 1,100 workers. The PA is a legally binding agreement between global brands and trade unions that mandates workplace safety inspections, worker safety training, and a transparent complaint mechanism in Pakistan’s textile industry. He added that the accord covers fire, building, and electrical safety standards, creating legally enforceable obligations for signatory brands.

He viewed the implementation of these legally binding instruments as crucial in impacting the working conditions and rights of workers in Pakistan’s textile and garments industry. Despite contributing significantly—up to 60 percent—to the country’s total exports and being the major source of foreign reserves, the conditions of workers were deplorable as most of them were denied their rights to unionize, decent working conditions, and minimum wages, let alone living wages. They remained vulnerable to occupational safety and health risks while bearing the brunt of climate change on their wellbeing, livelihood, and security.

Comrade Zehra Khan, General Secretary of Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) and also one of the co-chairs of IndustriALL’s TGSL sector, shed light on key regulatory frameworks governing supply chains. She said that the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Law, effective since January 2023, represented a significant step toward brand accountability. Companies with over 1,000 employees must now monitor their supply chains for human rights violations and environmental risks, facing substantial penalties of their annual global turnover for non-compliance.

She said unfortunately, workers associated with the textile and garment industry have yet to reap benefits from it. “We attempted to use this law against the lawlessness of brands, but it has yet to yield significant results,” she commented.

The conference highlighted severe ongoing issues in the textile and garments industry. Workers consistently received below-minimum wages, lacking basic employment protections such as contracts, social security, health insurance, and pension benefits. Women workers face particularly challenging conditions, experiencing wage discrimination compared to male counterparts and confronting harassment, often facing intimidation when they attempt to resist or report maltreatment.

The speakers emphasized the criminal negligence of international brands and their suppliers in adhering to the accord, GFAs, and various transnational, federal, and local laws. Implementation challenges persist, particularly in union representation. Many factories supplying to signatory brands, German companies, and EU entities actively prevents worker unionization, often manipulating the process through the creation of ‘yellow unions.’ The accord’s complaint mechanism remains largely inaccessible to workers, who lack proper training in utilizing these protective instruments.

The conference acknowledged the PA as a collaborative milestone between international brands, trade unions, and local stakeholders in improving and implementing workplace safety practices. Conference participants expressed hope for the extension of the accord’s tenure and emphasized the need for worker training in accessing complaint mechanisms and protecting unionization rights to realize its full benefits.

In a video message, IndustriALL Global Union’s South Asia regional secretary Ashutosh Bhattacharya shed light on the union’s work in textile, garments, shoes, and leather industries, citing the PA and the Act campaign through which they are striving to regularize industrial-level collective bargaining as important mechanisms toward achieving better working conditions, corporate accountability, and a sustainable future. He said that IndustriALL stood in solidarity with workers across the globe.

Zulfiqar Shah, Pakistan Accord country manager, said that the accord covers 500 factories in Pakistan, and so far 170 of them have been inspected. He said that the accord does not just conduct inspections but also ensures measures are taken. He added that workers’ roles in the accord are very important, and it engages workers in training on occupational safety and health. He said that mechanisms like the accord, laws, directives, and agreements should be used for the welfare of workers.

Theresa Hass of the US’s United Workers gave an online presentation on the topic of EU CSDDD, saying that it is commendable law; however, it is unclear whether it will benefit workers. She said that currently, recommendations were being submitted to the EU authorities for making the legislation stronger, as the current document appears weak in supporting workers in exercising their basic human and workers’ rights.

Others who spoke at the conference included Niaz Khan of ILUCIP, Samina Irfan of APFUTU, Sajjad Gardezi, Sultan Muhammad of IndustriALL Pakistan Council, Rafiq Baloch of NTUF, Sarzameen Afghani of Mines Union, Syed Ijaz Hussain Shah Bukhari of OGDC union, and Nosher Khan of Wapda Union.

At the conference, five major trade unions and federations of Pakistan, including Pakistan United Federation of Trade Unions, Ittehad Labor Carpet Union Pakistan, Pakistan Textile Workers Federation, Home Based Women Workers Federation, and NTUF announced the formation of Pakistan Textile Garments Trade Union Coordination Council.

The conference concluded with the following demands and resolutions:

• Recognize living wage as a legislative and regulatory standard for a worker’s salary, and this should be in accordance with formulas that keep in check all living costs of the workers.
• The international brands and their supplying factories must respect the GFA and implement its measures in true letter and spirit.
• H&M had pledged in 2018 to implement living wage as a standard throughout its supply chain; however, the pledge has yet to materialize as workers in its supplying factories receive even below the minimum wage.
• The Pakistani government must play the role of implementation partner, make policies in accordance with decent work and living wage standards, and protect the rights of workers.
• The participants rejected the Sindh Labor Code and termed it an agenda to weaken the agency and rights of the workers that were achieved through years of struggle. (PR)

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Read: ILO Accused of Conspiring Against The Workers In Pakistan

The post Pakistan Textile Unions Form Coordination Council, Call for Living Wage Standards first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

The National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and the Home-Based Women Workers Federation Pakistan (HBWWF) organized a joint rally from Regal Chowk to the Karachi Press Club on Sunday to protest against wage nonpayment, the contract labor system, crimes of international fashion brands, privatization of institutions, and anti-labor and anti-environment policies of the government.

Addressing the rally, trade union leaders said that the Sindh and Punjab governments, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), were conspiring to legalize the illegal third-party contract system. They accused the ILO of violating Convention 144, which advocates for tripartite consultation. The contract labor system deprived workers of their basic rights and identity.

They said that legal action will be taken against these anti-worker measures nationally and internationally, particularly in Switzerland. Contacts with other South Asian labor organizations had also begun for a united response.

They criticized Sindh Labor Ministry for failing to ensure payment of government-declared wages. Due to the ministry’s incompetence, 90% of workers in Sindh remain deprived of minimum wages. Instead of enforcing wage payments, the ministry remained inactive. Workers were being forcibly terminated. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was urged to intervene immediately to prevent further damage to the party’s reputation caused by the ministry’s inaction.

The leaders highlighted the rising unemployment and poverty, blaming anti-worker policies imposed under international financial institutions’ directives. Despite government claims of economic progress, over 4.5 million people were unemployed, and 95 million lived below the poverty line—40% of the population. Over 12 million individuals fell below the poverty line in the past year, even as claims of reduced inflation and stock market growth persisted.

They said that workers’ purchasing power had collapsed despite inflation control announcements. Pakistan’s per capita income was the lowest in the region, and the number of out-of-school children was the highest.

They criticized the plight of the youth, many of whom sought legal and illegal ways to leave the country due to bleak economic prospects. Over 400 youths die annually in attempts to migrate illegally, often losing their lives in boat accidents while searching for employment abroad.

Labor leaders revealed that over 2.7 million workers suffered workplace accidents annually, while more than 200 miners died every year due to unsafe conditions. He condemned the government for prioritizing elite privileges over the welfare of lower-tier public employees, eliminating pensions, and privatizing public institutions to benefit select groups.

International fashion brands were also criticized for exploiting workers in garment factories, where laborers were treated as wage slaves. These brands openly violated local and international labor laws.

The rally concluded with the following demands:

The contract labor system should be criminalized and abolished; Workers must receive permanent employment and written appointment letters; Payment of declared wages should be ensured; wages should be paid through bank accounts; implementation of labor laws in workplaces must be ensured; all workers should be registered with social security and pension institutions; the right to unionization must be recognized; privatization of institutions should be halted immediately; terminations in public and private institutions must end; workplaces should be free from harassment, and anti-harassment committees should be formed in every institution; anti-environmental water projects, including canals from the Indus River, must be canceled; land grabbing under the guise of corporate farming must stop, and international fashion brands must adhere to local labor laws and European Parliament regulations.

Labor leaders announced a national meeting of labor organization representatives next week to plan collective action against anti-worker policies.

The rally, led by Comrades Zehra Khan and Riaz Abbasi, was participated by  Gul Rehman of the Movement for Labor Rights (MLR), Comrade Ramzan Memon and Shahina Ramaza of National Party,  Transgender activist Kami Chaudery, Ghulam Mehboob of the PC Hotel Union, Mehboob Khan of the WAPDA Union, Waim Jameel, Amar Maqsi, Khaliq Zardran of Awami Huqooq, Comrade Manzoor Razi of railway union, Comrade Sultan and Comrade Jannat, Ruqqia M Hanif of the United HB Workers Union, Anny and Parveen Bano of the Zardosi Workers Union, labor leaders, Aqib Hussain of the Alternate, Bilawal Shah, Shahzad Mughal, Waqas Qureshi, Advocate Ahsan Mahmood, Noorddin Advocate, Himmat Ali Phulpoto of Textile and Garment Union, Iqbal Abro, Buland Iqbal, Rabil Abro and others. (PR)

Read: Workers’ rally against inflation, poverty and unemployment

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Karachi, Sindh

The Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), in a convention held in Gadap, Karachi on Saturday, demanded immediate registration of all home-based workers with the Labor Department and Sindh Social Security Institution (SESSI).

The Convention also demanded implementation of minimum wages for HBWs, ratification of ILO Convention 190 concerning the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, by the Pakistan government, establishment of anti-harassment committees in all workplaces, and immediate recovery of all forcibly disappeared citizens.

The Home-Based Women Workers Federation announced the registration of the embroidery workers’ union and its elected leadership. This event was organized in memory of the Butterfly Sisters from the Dominican Republic, who fought for democracy and against dictatorship.

Zehra Khan, General Secretary of HBWWF, pointed out that even with the passage of the Sindh Home-Based Workers Act in 2018 and similar laws in various provinces, the implementation has been severely lacking. Currently, only 2,500 HBWs have been registered and verified with the Sindh Labor Department, leaving many without essential social security benefits and other entitlements under the law.

She stressed the need for immediate government action to ensure that all HBWs receive the protections they deserve. Additionally,

Rafiq Baloch, President of the National Trade Union Federation, highlighted that the plight of home-based workers reflects a broader issue of exploitation within the economy, asserting that this injustice must be addressed.

Saira Feroz from the United HBW Garment Workers Union and Parveen Bano from the Zardozi Workers Union emphasized the need for minimum wages and safe working environments for all women workers. She demands that HBW contributions be recognized so that they receive fair wages for their work.

Aqib Hussain of NTUF condemned ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan, including enforced disappearances and violence against political activists. He highlighted that women continue to endure severe gender discrimination across political, social, and economic spheres. Despite existing laws meant to protect workers, many cases remain unresolved due to societal attitudes and systemic injustices. He reinforced the ongoing struggle of HBWs for their legal rights. (PR)

Read: Workers Stage Nationwide Rallies against Ethnic Killings, Privatization, and Anti-Workers Labor Codes

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New York

In Afghanistan, journalists and media workers face challenges including arbitrary arrests, torture and severe restrictions on press freedom, according to a new United Nations report released on Tuesday.

The joint report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office, OHCHR, documented 336 cases of human rights violations against media professionals between August 2021 and September 2024.

Threats to press freedom 

“Journalists and media workers in Afghanistan work under unclear rules on what they can and cannot report, running the risk of intimidation and arbitrary detention for perceived criticism,” said Roza Otunbayeza, head of UNAMA.

“For any country, a free press is not a choice, but a necessity. What we’re witnessing in Afghanistan is the systematic dismantling of this necessity”.

The report titled Media Freedom in Afghanistan outlined 256 instances of arbitrary arrest and detention, combined with 130 cases of torture and ill-treatment. An additional 75 documented cases of threats and intimidation have created a climate of fear.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the broader implications of these restrictions.

“Journalists and media workers are not just observers – they are essential to ensuring transparency and accountability, fostering informed debate,” he said, adding that they are crucial in “helping communities access vital information about humanitarian and protection issues that directly affect their lives”.

Female journalists face further barriers

The findings reveal that female media professionals face severe restrictions. Those who continue to work face discriminatory regulations affecting everything from dress codes to which stories they can cover.

During the daily media briefing at UN Headquarters, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted this gender dimension: “Women journalists and media workers face particular discriminatory measures that limit their ability to do their work”.

Ms. Otunbayeza also urged the de facto authorities to “fully recognize the importance of women working in the media sector”.

Future implications

The report also warns of the broader consequences of diminishing international support for Afghanistan’s media sector.

“Technical and financial support for the media sector in Afghanistan, and thereby standing behind the importance of freedom of expression and public debate is instrumental for growth of the country,” Ms. Otunbayeza concluded.

Looking forward, the UN is calling on the de facto authorities to honor Afghanistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression without discrimination. The report emphasizes that free press is essential not just for transparency and accountability but for the country’s social and economic development.

“Every effort must be made to ensure that journalists and media workers, including all women are respected and protected,” Mr. Türk added.

“A free and vibrant media is not a threat to stability – it is key to health and vitality of any society.

Read – Afghanistan: Taliban rule has erased women from public life

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Courtesy: UN News (Posted on November 26, 2024)

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• We are the indigenous people of this great civilization, and we are struggling to survive. We are dying slowly

Sanghar, Sindh

The fishermen and women of Sindh, struggling for their rights, in a protest gathering on November 21, condemned the illegal construction of canals from Indus River in Punjab province of Pakistan.

“We demand the immediate release of our brothers detained in Indian jails. We demand the release of fresh water into the Indus River to save the mangroves, our culture, and our fisheries. We demand that the government officially recognize fishermen as laborers.”

These were the resounding calls at a charged gathering near the Chotiari Reservoir in Sanghar district, where hundreds of fishermen convened to demand urgent action on their pressing issues. Among their concerns were encroachments on freshwater bodies, a threat to their livelihoods.

“It’s not just men who suffer because of climate change and man-made disasters but women and children as well,” said Yasmeen Shah, vice-chairperson of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF).

“Try to understand the pain we women feel when our men struggle to support their families,” she added, highlighting that many fishermen have been illegally detained by Indian forces.

PFF Chairman Mehran Shah condemned the illegal construction of canals, and warned, “This will further devastate the fishermen community in Sindh.” He pointed out that hundreds of thousands of coastal residents face immense hardships due to a shortage of water in the Indus River. “Does the government want us to die?” he questioned passionately, urging authorities to take immediate steps to protect the community.

General Secretary of the PFF, Ramzan Mallah, appealed to the global community: “On this International Day, we urge the world to recognize the consequences and impact of climate change on fishing communities. We are the indigenous people of this great civilization, and we are struggling to survive. We are dying slowly,” he said, calling for international solidarity and action. (PR)

Read: Fishermen of Sindh stage rally, sit-in for rights

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