Ejaz Ahmad Khan, Saleem M Rana, Aashifa Yaqoob, Anwar Rafay, Sidra Iqbal, Usman Nadeem, Jawad Saeed, Rosana E Norman.
Children exploitation through child labour in district Vehari, Pakistan.
Pak J Public Health Jan ;5(4):9-16.

Background: Exploitation and abusive handling of children through child labour is an important issue which has evaded the attention of global, national and local authorities. Research reveals that child labor is a common phenomenon which runs widely and deeply. This study aims to describe children exploitation through child labor in district Vehari, Pakistan. Methods: We conducted this cross sectional study in both the rural and urban settings of the three tehsils of district Vehari, during the months of May and June 2013. A total of 542 children living in difcult circumstances employed in 11 work categories (94.1% male; average age 13 years) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on socio-demographic characteristics of children, health outcomes, nancial exploitation and exposure to physical and sexual abuse was collected. Results: We found that 100% of study subjects were being forced to work and nancially exploited for working more than average working hours, i.e. 10.78 (±2.58) hours a day for just Rupees 1000-2500(US$9.72-24.30) per month as wages. For physical abuse, 8.5% of children reported being subjected by the employers and the family members. However, no sexual abuse was reported. Large family size and illiteracy were found to be important predisposing factors. Conclusion: We conclude that exploitation of underprivileged children through child labor is an issue in Vehari. This has evaded the attention of the national and local authorities though there is enough legislation in Pakistan. Keywords: Child abuse, mistreatment, employment, developing country.

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