Activists Urge Sindh Government to Protect Peasants’ Rights
Human rights activists, academics, and journalists gathered to launch the 9th report titled ‘The State of Peasants’ Rights in Sindh for 2023′. They called for amending and implementing the Sindh Tenancy Act to protect peasants’ rights in the province.
The report, prepared by the Hari Welfare Association, highlighted the persistence of debt bondage despite the Sindh Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 2015. District Vigilance Committees (DVCs) established under the act have failed to effectively rehabilitate, rescue, and protect bonded labourers.
Anis Harion of the National Commission for Human Rights paid tribute to Hari Welfare Association leader Haider Bux Jatoi and noted that peasants in Sindh continue to face challenges due to powerful landlords.
Akram Ali Khaskheli, president of the Hari Welfare Association, criticized the Sindh government for its ‘anti-peasant stance’ and refusal to withdraw an appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan against a crucial October 2019 ruling by the Sindh High Court (SHC). This ruling nullified regressive amendments to tenancy laws and addressed issues related to bonded labour.
Despite a November 2, 2023, announcement setting a minimum wage of Rs32,000 per month for unskilled workers, this rate is not being implemented in rural areas, where daily wages are around Rs 700 for men and even less for women.
The report urges the Sindh government to withdraw its appeal to align with progressive laws, the Constitution, and international agreements. In Pakistan, peasants face severe challenges related to bonded labour, which significantly impacts their rights and livelihoods.
Doubts Revealed
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often campaign for the rights and well-being of others.
Sindh Government -: The Sindh Government is the governing body of the Sindh province in Pakistan. It makes laws and decisions for the people living in that area.
Peasants -: Peasants are farmers or agricultural workers who often work on small plots of land. They usually have limited resources and rights.
Sindh Tenancy Act -: The Sindh Tenancy Act is a law in Sindh province that deals with the rights and duties of landlords and tenants, especially in agriculture.
Debt Bondage -: Debt bondage is a situation where people are forced to work to repay a debt. They often can’t leave until the debt is paid, which can take many years.
Sindh Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 2015 -: This is a law passed in 2015 in Sindh province to end debt bondage and free people who are trapped in such situations.
Hari Welfare Association -: The Hari Welfare Association is a group that works to improve the lives of peasants and agricultural workers in Sindh province.
Minimum Wage -: Minimum wage is the lowest amount of money that workers must be paid by law. It helps ensure that workers can earn enough to live on.