Social_Accountability_Standards_Pakistan_Textiles.pptx

social accountability standards appicaple in pakistan

1. Social Accountability Standards in the Textile Industry: Pakistan’s Perspective Conference Presentation By: lnd groups October 2025

2. Child Labor in Textiles Key Laws and Standards: - Employment of Children Act 1991 - Punjab Prohibition of Child Labor Act 2016 - ILO Conventions 138 (Minimum Age) and 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour) - SA8000 and ISO 26000 on child labor prevention Challenges: - Informal sector prevalence - Lack of access to education Strategies: - Supply chain audits, CSR initiatives, and community education programs.

3. Forced and Bonded Labor Key Laws and Standards: - Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1992 - Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance 2002 - ILO Conventions 29 and 105 on forced labor - SA8000: Freedom of Employment Challenges: - Hidden debt bondage in rural areas Strategies: - Worker rights training, grievance mechanisms, ethical recruitment policies.

4. Wages, Benefits, and Working Hours Key Laws and Standards: - Minimum Wages Ordinance 1961 - Factories Act 1934 - Payment of Wages Act 1936 - ILO Conventions 1, 30, 131 - SA8000: Working Hours and Remuneration Challenges: - Wage disparities, overtime misuse Strategies: - Transparent payroll systems, compliance audits, worker engagement.

5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Key Laws and Standards: - Factories Act 1934 (Sections 13–33) - ISO 45001:2018 (OHS Management Systems) - ILO Conventions 155 & 187 - Pakistan OHS Rules under provincial frameworks Challenges: - Poor safety culture, lack of PPE Strategies: - Regular risk assessments, safety committees, first aid training.

6. Gender Equality, Diversity, and Non-Discrimination Key Laws and Standards: - Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 - ILO Conventions 100 (Equal Remuneration) and 111 (Discrimination) - ISO 26000: Social Responsibility - SA8000: Non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity Challenges: - Gender pay gap, workplace harassment Strategies: - Gender sensitization, inclusion policies, leadership development.

7. Integration with International Social Accountability Frameworks Key Frameworks: - SA8000: Comprehensive Social Accountability Standard - ISO 26000: Guidance on Social Responsibility - ISO 45001: Occupational Health & Safety - ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery) and ISO 14001 (Environment) Benefits: - Enhanced compliance, worker well-being, and sustainability performance.

8. Best Practices and Way Forward Recommendations for the Textile Industry: - Strengthen factory-level monitoring systems - Adopt international certifications (SA8000, ISO 45001) - Collaborate with NGOs and labor inspectorates - Promote awareness and transparency in supply chains - Invest in worker education and empowerment.