The National Child Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) successfully conducted the consultations on the Draft Bill on the Prohibition of Child Labour in Domestic Work. The consultation, organized by the NCRC, brought together stakeholders, experts, policymakers, bureaucrats, child rights experts and representatives from civil society organizations. With an aim to get holistic review of the Bill, the NCRC conducted consultations in all provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan for a detailed deliberation on the draft bill. The event today served as a consolidation workshop, where an improved bill was shared with the audience, reflecting insights gathered from previous consultations. The draft bill condemns the exploitation of children in domestic work and proposes stringent penalties for perpetrators. Commenting on the consultation, Chairperson NCRC, Ayesha Raza Farooq, stated, "Today's consultation marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat child domestic labour and uphold the rights of every child. The collaborative approach adopted throughout this process underscores our commitment to creating a future where every child can thrive free from exploitation." Geir Thomas Tonstol, ILO Country Director, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing child labour, stating, "The capacity-building session conducted by ILO aimed to equip the NCRC members with the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively address child labour. We are committed to supporting NCRC in their efforts to enact legislation that aligns with international standards." Raja Naeem Akbar, Secretary Ministry of Law & Justice, highlighted the government's commitment to protecting children's rights, stating, "Protecting our children from exploitation and ensuring their well-being is a top priority but legislation takes time and Ministry of Law & Justice reaffirms its support to the NCRC" Dr. Inossua Kabore, Deputy Representative of UNICEF, reiterated the importance of prioritizing children's rights, stating, "UNICEF remains committed to supporting NCRC in their efforts to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Dr Ehsin Sadiq, Director General, National Police Bureau said "The legal framework is necessary to define and address exploitative practices, setting clear standards for accountability and enforcement. The consultation concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards enacting legislation that safeguards the rights and well-being of children across Pakistan. *******
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