Representatives of government and non-governmental organizations have demanded inclusion of domestic work in the list of hazardous work for children.
They made this demand at the research report release ceremony organized by Action for Social Development (ASD) at Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday. Speakers said, "The government's policies to save children are not able to protect domestic workers of our country."
The speakers urged the government to enact Domestic Workers Protection Act as soon as possible.
In the research highlight the actual situation of children engaged in domestic work in Dhaka. ASD Project Manager UKM Farhana Sultana presented the research report.
According to the results, about 50 per cent of the children engaged in domestic work in the capital are subjected to various forms of torture.
Among them, 18.47 per cent were victims of physical injury, 8.23 per cent were beaten, 20.74 per cent were scolded, and 1.7 per cent was victims of sexual abuse. Besides, 31.45 per cent of domestic workers are under excessive work pressure, the report said.
According to the recommendations of the research report, the concerned agencies should work closely with the relevant ministries and departments to amend laws and policies to protect children engaged in domestic work.
The recommendation also suggests including housework in the list of hazardous work for children.
It said public awareness should be created about the existing policies and laws. Law enforcement agencies must be more proactive in bringing those involved in torture to justice. Establish medical centres to provide health and legal services for the tortured housemaids.
Director General of Labour Department Tariqul Alam said, child labour abuse has been going on for a long time. We are committed to prevent abuse of domestic workers.
However, it is true that child domestic worker violence has reduced to a great extent compared to earlier. We want it to stop 100 per cent. Among the 43 tasks identified as hazardous to children, domestic work will also be included.
