Geir Thomas Tonstol, a seasoned expert in labour rights and social justice, has been at the helm of the ILO country office for Pakistan since January 2023. Under his leadership, the office has intensified its focus on critical issues in the world of work, particularly forced labour and fair recruitment. In an exclusive interview with The News on Sunday, Tonstol shares his insights on these pressing challenges and outlines the steps needed to tackle them effectively. Excerpts follow:

he News on Sunday: Can you give an overview of the ILO’s role and main objectives in Pakistan?

Geir Thomas Tonstol: Our mission in Pakistan is not just to promote good work; it is to create an environment where human dignity is at the centre of all work. We work to put the principles of justice, freedom and security at the centre of Pakistan’s economy and to drive change. This means not only upholding the law, but also changing society’s attitudes toward work to ensure that everyone can participate in productive work in conditions that respect their dignity.

TNS: How does the ILO influence labour laws and legislation to promote decent work and maintain industrial peace in Pakistan?

GTT: We act as a bridge between international labour standards and national regulations, ensuring that world’s best practices are adapted to Pakistan’s unique economic context. Our impact is achieved through a combination of high-level advice, in-depth research and technical expertise. By fostering a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of policymaking, we aim to create a legal environment that promotes economic growth while protecting the rights and interests of all workers. Our aim is not just to create laws, but also to promote a culture of compliance and respect for workers’ rights that has a broad impact on society.

TNS: What are the main activities and projects that the ILO is carrying out in Pakistan, particularly in relation to forced labour?

GTT: Our efforts range from promoting decent work in the informal sector to strengthening occupational safety and health policies. We integrate into the national agenda, particularly in combating forced labour and human trafficking. We focus on strengthening the rule of law, building the capacity of law enforcement and providing direct support to victims. These efforts are supported by an overall approach that addresses the socio-economic roots of forced labour, such as poverty and lack of education, with a view to providing long-term solutions.

TNS: What are the major challenges Pakistan faces in combatting forced labour, particularly concerning migrant labourers?

GTT: Pakistan is dealing with various obstacles when it comes to addressing forced labour. Many workers are part of the informal economy. This increases their susceptibility to exploitation. Challenges such as poverty and lack of access to education and legal help create barriers to safeguarding these workers. Migrant workers, whether in Pakistan or abroad, face difficulties due to limited knowledge of their rights and exploitation by recruiters. Dealing with these problems necessitates robust legal enforcement and improved support systems for every worker.

TNS: How successful are Pakistan’s laws in addressing forced labour? Which areas require enhancement?

GTT: Pakistan has made advancements in legislation to combat forced labour, but there are still aspects that require enhancement. Inconsistent enforcement of these laws requires additional resources for surveillance and inspections. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement harsh punishments for offenders and enhance measures to safeguard individuals who have been affected. Raising awareness among all parties about the laws and their rights can also enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. Capacity building of the inspecting officials supported by technological aids can also improve the forced labour situation in Pakistan.

TNS: What consequences might Pakistan face if it fails to effectively address forced labour, both domestically and on a global scale?

GTT: Failure to effectively address forced labour in Pakistan may lead to significant issues domestically and internationally. Within the country, forced labour traps people in poverty and impedes efforts to attain sustainable economic development. On a global scale, it could damage Pakistan’s image and its relations with other nations, particularly in terms of commerce. This may result in decreased investments and potential limits on exports, causing a negative effect on the economy.

TNS: How do climate change, disease and other disasters affect the right to work? How has the ILO responded?

GTT: The intersection of climate change, disasters and pandemics with labour rights is a significant concern for the ILO in Pakistan. These events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in the labour market, disproportionately affecting marginalised workers, especially those in the informal economy. The erosion of livelihoods caused by these crises often leads to a rise in forced labour and other violations of fundamental rights at work. The ILO’s response has been multifaceted, focusing on bolstering social protection systems to provide safety nets for affected workers, promoting resilient employment practices that can endure such shocks, and advocating for the integration of labour rights into national disaster management and climate adaptation strategies.

TNS: Why is social compliance, in particular with Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work that include the elimination of all forms of forced labour, important in Pakistan? What are the consequences of failing to do so legally?

GTT: Non-compliance can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including conflict, economic instability and international censure. In today’s global economy, compliance with labour principles and rules is essential to maintain access to international markets, as standards have morally increased costs for consumers and investors. Beyond the economic impact, compliance is important to protect human dignity and promote social harmony. It supports the commitment of the state, employers and employees to ensure that everyone adheres to the principles of fairness, justice and respect for human rights.

TNS: What has the ILO prioritised in Pakistan over the next five years?

GTT: Recognising that good work cannot be done if a majority of workers remain outside the protection system, we plan to increase our efforts to formalise the informal economy. Improving social protection to all workers, especially those from vulnerable groups, will be another priority. We are also committed to promoting occupational health and safety standards, especially in high-risk industries. The fight against forced labour and human trafficking will remain a priority, focusing on prevention, protection and rehabilitation. Gender equality and youth work are key themes that underpin all our measures. We see inclusiveness as key to achieving sustainable development.

TNS: What are the key challenges facing the ILO in achieving decent work and social justice in Pakistan?

GTT: The challenges we face in Pakistan are closely linked to the country’s overall economic situation. One of the most important challenges is the informal economy, which makes it difficult to enforce labour laws and provide social protection. There is also resistance to change, particularly in sectors where exploitative labour practices are entrenched. Limited institutional capacity and a complex regulatory environment combine to further impede progress. Despite these challenges, the ILO is committed to fulfilling its mission by leveraging its global expertise and local partnerships to overcome obstacles and promote labour rights and social justice in Pakistan.

The interviewer is an Islamabad based journalist