Despite Pakistan's leather and textile sector accounting for over 40% of industrial jobs, child and human rights violations are common, particularly in the upstream segments where visibility and leverage of buyers diminish

Child labour is rampant, with children working in hazardous conditions that threaten their health and development

Forced labour, where workers are coerced into working under threats of violence or other penalties, is also prevalent in the informal sector of leather and textile supply chains

Lack of visibility and buyer leverage exacerbates the risk of abuses, making it difficult for brands and retailers to ensure that their supply chains are free from human rights violations

System building: Training for Tier 1 factories and capacity building in lower tiers

Business accountability: Increased visibility and dialogue forum between key stakeholders from the government, factories to CSOs

Child labour remediation and strengthening grievance mechanisms: focuses on child labour case management and remediation, strengthening grievance mechanisms and building networks with government protection services

Child labour prevention: Access to decent work for young workers and strengthened linkages with vocational education schools

Reduced child labour risk; improved access to education

Reduced gender discrimination, unequal pay and workplace harassment

Employment stability, protections against exploitation and access to legal protection

Improved accessibility, reduced workplace stigma and improved employment opportunities

Enhanced job security, strengthened labour rights and security

Strengthened engagement with lower tier suppliers, facilitating greater visibility and leverage to drive positive change and strengthen human rights due diligence

The Pakistan Child Rights Action Hub is currently in its inception phase and will officially be launching later in 2025. Brands can already get involved by becoming an Action Hub investor. Contact us to learn more.

Nominate suppliers in your supply chain to be included in Hub activities (or you can request your direct suppliers or vendors to share details of lower-tier suppliers; The Centre will then approach these facilities and invite them to participate in Action Hub activities)