India: Kiln workers, poverty and kidneys for sale

Summary: ANCE has put forward the project “Education and Health Program for Brick Kiln”, which has been funded by United Nation Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Geneva” in 2003-04. Through this programme education and health services has been provided to more than 300 kiln workers.

ANCE is  member  of District Vigilance Committee, City District GOVT Lahore  in 2005, and has established a clear grass root relationship with brick kilns workers (women, children and adults) so as to protect their rights and find a solution.
 
Executive District Officer Community Development (EDO CD) visited Brick Kilns Industry together with labor department officials, social workers and ANCE's members   on 16-12-2005 The working conditions of brick kilns workers were keenly observed and  interest was taken on those people who are forced to sell their kidneys because of poverty.

There are nearly 200 kilns in the surrounding area of Lahore.

A meeting was subsequently organised by EDO CD  with the District Coordination Officer of Lahore,  those affected people and ANCE on 21-12-2005.

ANCE provided  all relevant information and the necessary recommendations to improve kilns workers' conditions as well as briefed the District Coordination Officer  about Bonded labor Act 1992.

He ensured that an initiative program  will be taken to protect the rights of brick kiln workers, children and women.

DCO Office has prepared  a Working Paper to work toward improving the working conditions of brick kiln based on the recommendations and information provided by ANCE. 
 
ANCE hopes that its struggle to protect the rights of brick kiln workers which started in 2003, will proved a positive milestone on the lives of kiln workers.

Owner: Raja Abbas Ali

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