§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received on bonded labour in Pakistan; and if she will make a statement. [121587]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe receive occasional representations from human rights groups and from individuals.
The Secretary of State's statement to the House of Commons on 10 November 1999, Official Report, column 553W, affirmed the British Government's commitment to the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, both in the UK and overseas. That continues to be our position.
The practice of forced (or 'bonded') labour remains a problem in Pakistan, notwithstanding the existence of legislation there to outlaw it. Therefore, we take every suitable opportunity to remind the authorities of their obligations to uphold the basic rights of all the Pakistani people, particularly the poor and disadvantaged. It is these groups, inevitably, that are most vulnerable to the perils of 'debt bondage' and 'bonded' employment.
Our Department maintains contact with organisations which are active in campaigning, or in acting against such violations of human rights. We stand ready to support their work in Pakistan if worthwhile opportunities emerge. Meanwhile, we are supporting an innovative programme to phase out child labour from the football manufacturing industry in and around Sialkot.