KARACHI, June 18: Multi-sectoral approach and strict implementation of local, international laws and conventions are needed to check growing rate of child trafficking in the region.

Despite enforcement of laws against trafficking of children from Pakistan, the practice is still continued and children are regularly being trafficked from Pakistan to be used as camel jockeys in the United Arab Emirates.

This was reported in a research study on "Child trafficking for camel races: a perspective from Pakistan", recently conducted by the Centre for Research and Social Development.

As research on the issue in Pakistan is the weakest in South Asia, information and data on trafficking in children has not yet been systematically collected. The illegal and clandestine nature of the activities involved in child trafficking makes it difficult to obtain reliable and accurate data either from NGOs or from government departments.

The CRSD study mentions that trafficking of children is one of the fastest growing areas of international crimes adding that though there are local groups involved in human trafficking, yet it is mainly international networks that have made it a sophisticated and well-organized industry.

The study is based on primary and secondary data from different sources including interviews of experts, government officials and children recovered. It acknowledges that better enforcement efforts in Pakistan and the ban on child camel jockeys in the UAE have reduced the numbers of children trafficked through Pakistan for that purpose.

Yet, cases of more than 40 children deported and repatriation in April and May 2003 and over 15 children in February and March 2004 indicated that the law enforced in 2002 was still being violated.

During the last 15 months, more than 80 children were deported and repatriated from the UAE after being used as camel jockeys for three years, it adds. Highlighting the root-causes of child trafficking, the study mentions that they are multiple and complex.

Poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, unawareness, inadequate legislation, and weak enforcement of related laws are apparently some of the reasons, it states. Poverty has forced many families to send their children, some as young as three, to find out whatever work they can here or abroad.

Even Pakistani children are smuggled as camel jockeys to the Gulf states; some are sold by their parents and others are kidnapped by the well-organized groups.

Exploring the role of government departments, it says that in addition to deliberate connivance of a few corrupt officials, there is a lack of understanding of the issue among the government officials as they have no understanding of difference between trafficking and smuggling so actual rate of prosecution is difficult to determine.

The officials have little knowledge of the laws and penalties under the new ordinance on the crime promulgated in 2002. Frequent transfers, postings and ambiguities in role and responsibilities of different government departments add to already bad situation, it states.

Highlighting the government efforts, it says that Pakistan has signed regional and international protocols/ conventions. Besides, it has promulgated the 'Prevention and Control of the Human Trafficking Ordinance 2002' in August 2002 to check growing menace of human trafficking.

The ordinance covers issue of camel- kids, declaring it a criminal offence. With such agreements and efforts there is a hope that the issues of children trafficking can be taken seriously and brought to its end, the report adds.

Identifying the high-risk areas for child trafficking, it says that for child traffickers Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan (Southern Punjab) continue to be the main centres.

The use of children as jockeys in camel racing is in itself extremely dangerous and can result in serious injuries and even deaths. In most of such cases, it states, children are deprived of food.

Highlighting the history and trend of camel racing, it says that in the UAE it is an old sport. However, the report reveals that the use of children as jockeys from Pakistan dates back to early 70s. Some of the local people attribute this to frequent visits of Arab Sheikhs to the Area for purpose of hunting.

According to CRSD study, there are around 14,000 active racing camels and about 15 racetracks in the region. Dubai, which is the centre of this activity, has two of the main stadiums for this game.

The report mentions that trafficking of children for their use as camel jockeys is particularly prohibited under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and by ILO Conventions 29, 138 and 182 - all of which have been ratified by the UAE.

In July 2002, UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the chairman of Emirates Camel Racing Federation, had promulgated Order No 1/6/266, which prohibits children under 15 or weighing less than 45kg from being employed in camel racing.

It also specifies that all camel jockeys must have proof of their age through their passports and be issued with a medical certificate by the camel racing federation.

The minister had announced that the ban came into effect on Sept 1, 2002. A fine of 20,000 dirhams (US$5,500) was imposed for the first offence while the second offence would lead to a ban from camel racing for one year. A prison sentence of three months along with a fine of 20,000 dirhams was enacted for subsequent offences.

The research study recommends various practical measures to address the problem. It says that since the issue is multi-dimensional, it requires multi-sectoral approach.

Strict implementation of local, international laws, conventions and protocol is the main thrust of the issue. Similarly, it adds, strategic interventions need to be addressed and implemented in the light of local experiences and culture. -APP/PPI