Pakistan’s Sanitation Workers Face Systemic Discrimination, Amnesty International Report Finds

A comprehensive report by Amnesty International reveals the pervasive discrimination faced by sanitation workers in Pakistan, highlighting a system of exploitation rooted in caste and religious biases. The report, titled “Cut Us Open and See That We Bleed Like Them,” details the harsh realities for sanitation workers, mostly Christians and Hindus from so-called “lower castes,” who are assigned to hazardous and low-paying jobs while denied fundamental labor rights. The report, compiled with the assistance of the Pakistani rights group Center for Law & Justice, draws on the experiences of over 230 workers across various cities. Testimony reveals that hiring decisions are often based on caste or religion, with workers being offered sanitation roles based on their background. Workers frequently encounter derogatory language, social segregation, and women face additional gender-based discrimination. Many workers lack permanent contracts, exposing them to job insecurity and the denial of benefits. The report details dangerous working conditions, including a lack of protective equipment, leading to health problems and a fear of job termination if they refuse unsafe work. Amnesty International underscores that Pakistan’s laws fail to protect sanitation workers adequately from caste discrimination, violating international agreements. The report urges legislative reforms to outlaw discrimination, enforce labor protections, and end discriminatory practices. The report concludes that until Pakistan addresses these systemic issues, its sanitation workforce will remain trapped in a cycle of exploitation, driven by state neglect, social prejudice, and systemic injustice.