INSAN DOST INSAN DOST ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION

SAHIWALSAHIWALPAKISTANPAKISTAN

IDA HISTORYIDA HISTORY

In 1986 the founder president of IDA, Mr. Anjum Raza Mattu, a field worker in State Life In 1986 the founder president of IDA, Mr. Anjum Raza Mattu, a field worker in State Life

Insurance Company, visited a brick kiln with his co-workers for the life insurance of workers or Insurance Company, visited a brick kiln with his co-workers for the life insurance of workers or

owner. The brick kiln workers began to weep bitterly before them and requested to release owner. The brick kiln workers began to weep bitterly before them and requested to release

them from the hardships and loans of the kiln owner. They also explained how they spent them from the hardships and loans of the kiln owner. They also explained how they spent

almost their whole life with the family working on the kiln just to return their loans but there almost their whole life with the family working on the kiln just to return their loans but there

was no decrease in the loans. was no decrease in the loans. They were deprived of their fundamental rights of freedom of They were deprived of their fundamental rights of freedom of

movement, choice of job, access to basic social services, and subjected to extreme forms of movement, choice of job, access to basic social services, and subjected to extreme forms of

physical, mental and sexual abuse. Learning about their plight the field worker Mr. Anjum and physical, mental and sexual abuse. Learning about their plight the field worker Mr. Anjum and

his team decided to work for the protection of the rights of bonded labourers. His aspiration to his team decided to work for the protection of the rights of bonded labourers. His aspiration to

help the poor and downtrodden in his community later forced his to work for the Bonded help the poor and downtrodden in his community later forced his to work for the Bonded

labour Liberation Front (BLLF) Pakistan. labour Liberation Front (BLLF) Pakistan.

After getting registration in 2002 IDA worked with the District Govt. to introduce adult After getting registration in 2002 IDA worked with the District Govt. to introduce adult

literacy centers on the brick kiln localities and facilitated the District Govt. for registration of literacy centers on the brick kiln localities and facilitated the District Govt. for registration of

kilns and implementation of bonded labor abolition act in 8 brick kilns near Sahiwal. IDA’s kilns and implementation of bonded labor abolition act in 8 brick kilns near Sahiwal. IDA’s

greatest strength has been its network of voluntary members, who have been contributing greatest strength has been its network of voluntary members, who have been contributing

funds every month from their salaries since the last many years to support IDA and have been funds every month from their salaries since the last many years to support IDA and have been

working for the organization with complete devotion. working for the organization with complete devotion.

The President of IDA spent two stints of 6 and 3 months in jail on false cases instigated by kiln owners. His The President of IDA spent two stints of 6 and 3 months in jail on false cases instigated by kiln owners. His time in jail and subsequent release had a great positive impact on the workers’ movement, and forced the time in jail and subsequent release had a great positive impact on the workers’ movement, and forced the district administration to support the laborers rather than the kiln workers as had been the past practice. IDA district administration to support the laborers rather than the kiln workers as had been the past practice. IDA has now become a model for organizations working for the rights of laborers in the country.has now become a model for organizations working for the rights of laborers in the country.

IDA MISSIONIDA MISSION

IDA strives to achieve a bonded-labour free society by building the awareness of bonded labour regarding IDA strives to achieve a bonded-labour free society by building the awareness of bonded labour regarding their rights, organizing and mobilizing them to struggle for their rights, advocating for their rights with those their rights, organizing and mobilizing them to struggle for their rights, advocating for their rights with those practicing and promoting bonded labour, and working with government agencies and civil society to provide practicing and promoting bonded labour, and working with government agencies and civil society to provide freedom, social protection and citizenship rights to people in bondage.freedom, social protection and citizenship rights to people in bondage.

IDA VISIONIDA VISIONIDA envisages a society free of bonded labour where people, particularly the most vulnerable, are able to live in IDA envisages a society free of bonded labour where people, particularly the most vulnerable, are able to live in

dignity and without any discrimination and enjoy basic human rights as envisaged in international human rightsdignity and without any discrimination and enjoy basic human rights as envisaged in international human rights

charter and the Pakistani constitution.charter and the Pakistani constitution.

GOALGOAL

The ultimate goal of IDA is to eliminate the system of bonded labour in Pakistan and improve the conditions of The ultimate goal of IDA is to eliminate the system of bonded labour in Pakistan and improve the conditions of

bonded labourers and their families. bonded labourers and their families.

IDA OBJECTIVESIDA OBJECTIVES Elimination of bonded labor through educational, advocacy and lobbing initiatives Elimination of bonded labor through educational, advocacy and lobbing initiatives

Facilitating the bonded laborers to acquire their National Identity Cards and social security Facilitating the bonded laborers to acquire their National Identity Cards and social security Cards and register as voters to expand the scope of their civil and political rights Cards and register as voters to expand the scope of their civil and political rights

Mobilization of the communities for the protection and promotion of their rights, especially Mobilization of the communities for the protection and promotion of their rights, especially among the brick kiln communityamong the brick kiln community

Providing opportunities of free primary education to the working children, especially among Providing opportunities of free primary education to the working children, especially among the brick kiln workersthe brick kiln workers

Providing free legal aid to bonded labor to assist them to get justice Providing free legal aid to bonded labor to assist them to get justice

Empowerment of women representation at various levels, enhance the protection of Empowerment of women representation at various levels, enhance the protection of women’s human rights and reduce violence against women through advocacy initiatives women’s human rights and reduce violence against women through advocacy initiatives

IDA WORKING STRATEGIESIDA WORKING STRATEGIESTo realize the vision, mission and goals and to achieve the set-objectives of the organization, the following To realize the vision, mission and goals and to achieve the set-objectives of the organization, the following

strategies are generally adopted;strategies are generally adopted;

Establish Cluster UnitsEstablish Cluster Units

Survey kilns, workers, families and education facilitiesSurvey kilns, workers, families and education facilities

Establish Legal Aid Cell Establish Legal Aid Cell

Develop and disseminate awareness raising and advocacy materials and messagesDevelop and disseminate awareness raising and advocacy materials and messages

Facilitate formation and activation of District Vigilance Committees (DVCs)Facilitate formation and activation of District Vigilance Committees (DVCs)

Form unions of kiln workers at cluster levelForm unions of kiln workers at cluster level

Facilitate registration of brick kilnsFacilitate registration of brick kilns

Facilitate acquisition of ID, social security and old age benefit cards, and registration of votesFacilitate acquisition of ID, social security and old age benefit cards, and registration of votes

Facilitate enrolment of children of kiln workers in schoolsFacilitate enrolment of children of kiln workers in schools

Train CBO staff to support bonded labour in their areaTrain CBO staff to support bonded labour in their area

IDA PROGRAMSIDA PROGRAMS Non-Formal Educational Project for working childrenNon-Formal Educational Project for working children

Primary Health Care Program for Brick Kiln FamiliesPrimary Health Care Program for Brick Kiln Families

A Program to prevent violence against working women A Program to prevent violence against working women

Legal Aid Cell (LAC) to provide legal support among bonded labourers Legal Aid Cell (LAC) to provide legal support among bonded labourers

Creation of Awareness in the masses concerning bonded labour and human rights.Creation of Awareness in the masses concerning bonded labour and human rights.

The Provision of Power & Identity among bonded labourers through citizenship rights.The Provision of Power & Identity among bonded labourers through citizenship rights.

Formation and Activation of District Vigilance Committees (DVCs) to support Bonded Labor. Formation and Activation of District Vigilance Committees (DVCs) to support Bonded Labor.

Enrolment of working children particular child kiln workers in government & Private Schools and also Enrolment of working children particular child kiln workers in government & Private Schools and also

establish NFE schools to children access to schools at their doorstep.establish NFE schools to children access to schools at their doorstep.

Lobbing for proper Implementation on Bonded Labor Abolition Act, Factory Act and minimum wages Lobbing for proper Implementation on Bonded Labor Abolition Act, Factory Act and minimum wages

notification.notification.

Skill training programs for working women and vulnerable children Skill training programs for working women and vulnerable children

..

Ending Child Labor through Education (ECEL):Ending Child Labor through Education (ECEL): The project is specifically focusing on providing non-formal education to the children working at kiln.The project is specifically focusing on providing non-formal education to the children working at kiln.This education will help liberating the children from the shackles of the brick kiln owners. It will helpThis education will help liberating the children from the shackles of the brick kiln owners. It will helpredress the issue of child labor and bondage of children at brick kilns by providing a healthy andredress the issue of child labor and bondage of children at brick kilns by providing a healthy andconstructive learning environment to the children. These deprived children will have the opportunity toconstructive learning environment to the children. These deprived children will have the opportunity tobecome aware and learn about their rights and will be able to read and write and check their accountsbecome aware and learn about their rights and will be able to read and write and check their accounts& products. Once out of bondage they will be able to make career choices about their future. The& products. Once out of bondage they will be able to make career choices about their future. Theeducation will help them to be placed in different fields of their choice. Those who go back to work ineducation will help them to be placed in different fields of their choice. Those who go back to work inbrick kilns will be equipped with education that will help them to fight for their rights and get out ofbrick kilns will be equipped with education that will help them to fight for their rights and get out ofbondage. More than 195 working children out of 195 families are getting their basic primary bondage. More than 195 working children out of 195 families are getting their basic primary

education.education.

Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Bonded Laborers in Pakpattan DistrictPromotion and Protection of the Rights of Bonded Laborers in Pakpattan DistrictThe focus of the project is to increase; the ability of kiln workers to receiving minimum wages as perThe focus of the project is to increase; the ability of kiln workers to receiving minimum wages as perlabor laws, the access to workers to get CNICs, Social Security Cards and Old Age benefit Cards, tolabor laws, the access to workers to get CNICs, Social Security Cards and Old Age benefit Cards, tounionize the bonded labor and to enroll the children of bonded laborers to school to get educationunionize the bonded labor and to enroll the children of bonded laborers to school to get educationfacilities. The achievements of this project would have strong demonstration effect on Punjabfacilities. The achievements of this project would have strong demonstration effect on PunjabGovernment and in the district.Government and in the district.

Rehabilitation of freed and bonded laborers in the brick kiln industry through Rehabilitation of freed and bonded laborers in the brick kiln industry through education, legal identity and Economic development:education, legal identity and Economic development: IDA has also implemented a project in the selected brick kiln of Districts Sahiwal, Okara and IDA has also implemented a project in the selected brick kiln of Districts Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan funded by ILO. The focus of the project was educational support to the children of bonded Pakpattan funded by ILO. The focus of the project was educational support to the children of bonded labor, vocational training of female freed / bonded laborers, assistant to obtain CNICs for their legal labor, vocational training of female freed / bonded laborers, assistant to obtain CNICs for their legal identity, awareness campaign on health and hygiene and capacity building of DVC on bonded labor identity, awareness campaign on health and hygiene and capacity building of DVC on bonded labor Abolition act 1992. Abolition act 1992.

• Empowerment of Farmer/Labour Councillors and Bonded Labour in Empowerment of Farmer/Labour Councillors and Bonded Labour in Sahiwal District:Sahiwal District:Recognising their achievements CIDA-DSP Punjab Initiative Fund (PIF) provided IDA a grant to implement a one-Recognising their achievements CIDA-DSP Punjab Initiative Fund (PIF) provided IDA a grant to implement a one-year project on “Empowerment of Farmer/Labour Councillors and Bonded Labour in Sahiwal District” from 1st May year project on “Empowerment of Farmer/Labour Councillors and Bonded Labour in Sahiwal District” from 1st May 2007 to 30th April, 2008. IDA hired some 25 additional staff members to expand project activities. An IDA team of 2007 to 30th April, 2008. IDA hired some 25 additional staff members to expand project activities. An IDA team of 40 voluntary and paid social mobilizers conducted a survey of bonded kiln workers. 40 voluntary and paid social mobilizers conducted a survey of bonded kiln workers.

A survey of bonded labour in Sahiwal District by IDA in 2007 revealed that about 25,000 kiln workers (including A survey of bonded labour in Sahiwal District by IDA in 2007 revealed that about 25,000 kiln workers (including 70% Christians) were working at 254 kilns in the district, most of which were unregistered. They included 11,000 70% Christians) were working at 254 kilns in the district, most of which were unregistered. They included 11,000 workers less than 16 year old. Most men and almost all the women were illiterate, only 60 per cent of adult workers workers less than 16 year old. Most men and almost all the women were illiterate, only 60 per cent of adult workers possessed National Identity Cards (NICS), and only 10 per cent were registered as voters. Most workers and their possessed National Identity Cards (NICS), and only 10 per cent were registered as voters. Most workers and their families were heavily indebted to kiln owners, had long working hours, lived in appalling conditions, and often families were heavily indebted to kiln owners, had long working hours, lived in appalling conditions, and often suffered all kinds of abuse by owners. Women were often subjected to sexual harassment by owners 24 hours of the suffered all kinds of abuse by owners. Women were often subjected to sexual harassment by owners 24 hours of the day. In one case a woman was asked to work the day after delivering a baby; when her husband pleaded for her need day. In one case a woman was asked to work the day after delivering a baby; when her husband pleaded for her need to rest, he was severely beaten up, and his daughter lost her mental balance. to rest, he was severely beaten up, and his daughter lost her mental balance.

A few of the key achievements of the CDSP-PIF project in Sahiwal district are summarized below:A few of the key achievements of the CDSP-PIF project in Sahiwal district are summarized below:

Registration of over 200 of the 254 brick kilns (80%), the Registration of over 200 of the 254 brick kilns (80%), the highest number and percentage of brick kilns registered in highest number and percentage of brick kilns registered in any district of the countryany district of the country. .

For the first time For the first time 90 workers90 workers in registered kilns got social security cards, two workers received Rs. 50,000 as in registered kilns got social security cards, two workers received Rs. 50,000 as marriage grants, and some 70 kiln workers, including women, received funds from the Baitul Maal. marriage grants, and some 70 kiln workers, including women, received funds from the Baitul Maal.

18900 bonded labourers18900 bonded labourers (including about 10000 kiln workers) got NICs, which is a prerequisite to get a social security card, and (including about 10000 kiln workers) got NICs, which is a prerequisite to get a social security card, and some 17000 workers were registered as voters. The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) did not prepare NICs some 17000 workers were registered as voters. The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) did not prepare NICs without proof of age. Now NADRA teams go to brick kilns and register bonded labourers for NICs without asking for any proof of without proof of age. Now NADRA teams go to brick kilns and register bonded labourers for NICs without asking for any proof of age. age.

6000 children6000 children of bonded labourers were enrolled in government and private schools, and 288 in 5 IDA-run multi-grade single- of bonded labourers were enrolled in government and private schools, and 288 in 5 IDA-run multi-grade single-teacher schools where there were no schools near brick kilnsteacher schools where there were no schools near brick kilns . .

42 unions42 unions of brick kiln workers, of brick kiln workers, all headed by womenall headed by women, were formed. This strategy was adopted as owners often tortured male union , were formed. This strategy was adopted as owners often tortured male union office bearers but was reluctant to beat women. When women accepted union membership, men were also willing to join the union.office bearers but was reluctant to beat women. When women accepted union membership, men were also willing to join the union.

Workers are receiving legal support for the protection of their rights against their economic, sexual, physical and mental Workers are receiving legal support for the protection of their rights against their economic, sexual, physical and mental harassment through an IDA legal aid cell run by a lawyer, an IDA member.harassment through an IDA legal aid cell run by a lawyer, an IDA member.

There is a 90% reduction in cases of sexual harassment of women of bonded labour families. There is a 90% reduction in cases of sexual harassment of women of bonded labour families. Due to training of workers and labour/peasant local government representatives every bonded labourer in the district Due to training of workers and labour/peasant local government representatives every bonded labourer in the district

knows that knows that peshgi peshgi (advance) is illegal, and knows the exact market rates of brick making.(advance) is illegal, and knows the exact market rates of brick making. Selling of kidneys by bonded labourers to pay off loans is common across Pakistan, but non-existent in Sahiwal, despite Selling of kidneys by bonded labourers to pay off loans is common across Pakistan, but non-existent in Sahiwal, despite

kiln owners intimidating workers to sell kidneys to repay loans. kiln owners intimidating workers to sell kidneys to repay loans. Three kiln owners withdrew the recovery of advance payments from their workers. This was a crucial first step in the Three kiln owners withdrew the recovery of advance payments from their workers. This was a crucial first step in the

struggle for the rights of bonded workers. These three kiln owners were included in the DVC. struggle for the rights of bonded workers. These three kiln owners were included in the DVC.

The vote registration drive was so successful that the District Nazim requested IDA to speed up their efforts in voter The vote registration drive was so successful that the District Nazim requested IDA to speed up their efforts in voter registration. After securing NICs and getting registered as voters, workers are planning to field their candidates at union registration. After securing NICs and getting registered as voters, workers are planning to field their candidates at union council level on labour seats, bringing them into mainstream politics and enabling them to safeguard their rights. This is council level on labour seats, bringing them into mainstream politics and enabling them to safeguard their rights. This is the new phase of their struggle. During the general elections IDA organised some 18000 bonded labours to demand for the new phase of their struggle. During the general elections IDA organised some 18000 bonded labours to demand for their rights. Because of this large vote bank all the significant politicians of the district themselves contacted IDA and their rights. Because of this large vote bank all the significant politicians of the district themselves contacted IDA and pledged to support the rights of bonded labourers, who were always ignored in the past. This change is well illustrated pledged to support the rights of bonded labourers, who were always ignored in the past. This change is well illustrated by the example given in the box 1.by the example given in the box 1.

Box 1: Democracy in ActionBox 1: Democracy in Action::

A kiln worker of Sahiwal District was working on a kiln in the adjacent district of Okara. The owner claimed that the A kiln worker of Sahiwal District was working on a kiln in the adjacent district of Okara. The owner claimed that the worker owed him Rs. 38000. The worker left the job and came to his relatives in Sahiwal. On 7th March 2008 the kiln worker owed him Rs. 38000. The worker left the job and came to his relatives in Sahiwal. On 7th March 2008 the kiln owner accompanied by some men came to Sahiwal and abducted the 15-year old sister. Later the worker and his other owner accompanied by some men came to Sahiwal and abducted the 15-year old sister. Later the worker and his other sister came to IDA for help. IDA was celebrating Women’s Day on March 8th, presided over by the recently elected sister came to IDA for help. IDA was celebrating Women’s Day on March 8th, presided over by the recently elected members of the national and provincial assemblies. On the request of IDA the members called the police station and members of the national and provincial assemblies. On the request of IDA the members called the police station and ordered the girl to be recovered the same day. The police lodged a case and arrested the offenders and brought the girl ordered the girl to be recovered the same day. The police lodged a case and arrested the offenders and brought the girl back the same day.back the same day.

Mr. Rafiq Jaffer’s Comments: Mr. Rafiq Jaffer’s Comments:

As the Chief Monitor/Technical Advisor for CIDA governance projects in Pakistan, in October 2007 I visited the As the Chief Monitor/Technical Advisor for CIDA governance projects in Pakistan, in October 2007 I visited the CIDA-funded project being implemented by IDA in Sahiwal. I was extremely impressed by the dedication and CIDA-funded project being implemented by IDA in Sahiwal. I was extremely impressed by the dedication and commitment of the IDA team and the tremendous positive impact of their work on the bonded laborers and the commitment of the IDA team and the tremendous positive impact of their work on the bonded laborers and the district administration. IDA has been able to achieve in months what would have taken years otherwise. I am also district administration. IDA has been able to achieve in months what would have taken years otherwise. I am also involved as a consultant in Trocaire’s bonded labor program in Pakistan since 2005, and found that IDA’s impact involved as a consultant in Trocaire’s bonded labor program in Pakistan since 2005, and found that IDA’s impact was greater than that of all the eight Trocaire’s partners put together. I wrote an article on IDA based on my visit, was greater than that of all the eight Trocaire’s partners put together. I wrote an article on IDA based on my visit, which was widely circulated, and Trocaire has offered its partners to go on an exposure visit to Sahiwal.– which was widely circulated, and Trocaire has offered its partners to go on an exposure visit to Sahiwal.– Rafiq Rafiq Jaffer, Chief Monitor/Technical Advisor for CIDA governance projects in Pakistan.Jaffer, Chief Monitor/Technical Advisor for CIDA governance projects in Pakistan.

Over 20 million children aged 5-16 years old work in Pakistan including 1.1 million working children in brick kiln industry, actually bonded labour is the cause of child labour. In this connection, IDA child labour campaign "Children should learn not earn" is based on a three fold approach - schooling, campaign and organizing. Setting up schools for child workers in Pakistan has pulled out thousands of children from work. Even if the direct beneficiaries are the children, the indirect beneficiaries have been thousands of workers who have benefited in terms of wages and other benefits, thereby taking care of the economic reason that pushes children into workforce.

“STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY THROUGH EDUCATION”

PHOTO GALLARY (IDA ACTIVITIES)