ISLAMABAD: Senate’s human rights body on April 29 set a 30-day deadline for all stakeholders to submit written recommendations on the Rights of Child and Rights of Persons with Disabilities bills.
In a session marked by grave concerns over human rights violations and institutional inefficiencies, the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights called for sweeping reforms across child protection laws and the mining sector, with a sharp focus on the dire conditions facing coal mine workers in Balochistan.
Chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the committee reviewed several legislative matters, including amendments to the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act and the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Lawmakers expressed alarm over the unchecked growth of unregulated orphanages and custodial homes, where children, especially girls, remained vulnerable to abuse under the protection of powerful patrons. The need for enhanced legislative oversight and executive authority for the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) was emphasised.
The committee also examined the limitations of existing institutional mandates, with the NCRC chairperson advocating for statutory powers to strengthen inspections and policy enforcement.
Human Rights Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged the concerns, affirming the government’s intent to bolster child protection mechanisms.
The committee also endorsed the “Take It Down” app, a digital initiative aimed at curbing online exploitation.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri highlighted the rising issue of bullying in schools, not just by students but by teachers as well, warning that such unchecked abuse could result in psychological trauma and substance abuse among children.
Meanwhile, the committee adopted the sub-committee’s report on the National Commission for Minorities Bill 2025. The bill, a longstanding demand of the country’s minority communities, garnered broad consensus across party lines and both Houses of Parliament.
Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged swift passage of the bill, which now moved to the Senate for approval.
A major portion of the session focused on the deteriorating safety conditions of mine workers in Balochistan. In a detailed briefing, officials admitted to severe deficiencies in enforcement and infrastructure, despite existing safety regulations.
Recent militant attacks on mine workers have heightened fears, prompting an urgent review of current protocols.
Senator Zehri voiced deep frustration over what she described as institutional apathy. She questioned the operational capacity of inspection bodies that reportedly lack basic resources such as vehicles, fuel and sufficient staff.
Pointing to distressing reports—including local seminaries refusing funeral rites for deceased workers—she called the situation “a stark indictment of the system.”
Concerns over broken safety equipment, inadequate rescue mechanisms, delayed compensation and continued mining operations despite known risks were echoed by departmental representatives.
The committee demanded immediate steps including the provision of ambulances, first-aid kits, emergency responders and personal protective equipment.
It also called for 100 per cent registration of mine workers by December 2025 and the issuance of formal employment contracts to ensure accountability in case of injury or death.
Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2025
