The Protection of Child Domestic Workers: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

There are numerous international instruments, which protect the rights of child labourers but still there is an irrefutable increase in the violation of their rights. The issue is more complicated in informal sector more specifically vulnerability of domestic workers gets more worsen due to diversity and undefined nature of tasks of the domestic workers, it is quite easy to conceal the violations and they are easily targeted. The regulation of domestic workers is a challenge in a developing country like Pakistan. This article examines the issue of child domestic workers. It further explores the international framework for the protection of child domestic workers taking into account the International Instruments most specifically International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Standards and Pakistan’s legislations combating child domestic workers. It also examines the Islamic perspective of the issue so that the legal and social issues arising out of such grave violations can be addressed comprehensively. These standards will help in strengthening the protection of child domestic workers in Pakistan.