§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects her Department is supporting in(a) India, (b) Pakistan and (c) Nepal to help end the practice of bonded labour in these countries. [147583]
§ Mr. MullinThe Department for International Development is committed to helping to eliminate all abusive labour practices. These include bonded labour, forced labour and child labour. These abusive practices persist where poverty denies people their rights and a decent livelihood. All our programmes are intended to278W contribute to improving the livelihoods of poor people and helping them realise their rights. We also have projects targeted at particular abusive practices.
In India we are supporting a programme to eliminate child labour, including bonded child labour. Our support to primary education addresses the issue of bonded child labour. The Rural Livelihood Project seeks to enhance livelihoods and reduce indebtedness.
In Pakistan we are working with the Asian Development bank on rural development strategies that include tackling bonded labour. We have commissioned research on access to land for poor people. We continue to support the phasing out of child labour from the football stitching industry.
In Nepal we are supporting a multi-agency programme to ensure food security for the freed Kamaiya (bonded labourers). We also support Action Aid's Poverty Reduction Project which has been working with bonded labourers in the Kailali district, to help them achieve secure livelihoods.
We are supporting Anti-Slavery International to raise awareness of the issue and stimulate action by non-governmental organisation, trade unions, business and Government in all three countries.