Shocking Report: Amnesty International Uncovers Pakistan’s Discriminatory Treatment of Sanitation Workers

Amnesty International has released a damning report detailing the discriminatory practices against sanitation workers in Pakistan, exposing a pattern of exploitation based on caste and religion. The report, “Cut Us Open and See That We Bleed Like Them,” focuses on the plight of sanitation workers, predominantly Christians and Hindus from “lower castes,” who are subjected to hazardous work, low wages, and denial of basic rights. The report details how recruitment processes are often discriminatory, with individuals being offered sanitation jobs based on their religious affiliation or caste. The research, supported by the Pakistani rights group Center for Law & Justice, includes accounts from over 230 workers across several cities. Workers frequently face derogatory language, social segregation, and gender-based discrimination. The study highlights the precarious employment situation, with a considerable number of sanitation workers lacking permanent contracts, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous materials and a lack of protective equipment, result in various health problems. The report notes that existing laws are inadequate to protect sanitation workers from discrimination, violating Pakistan’s obligations under international conventions. Amnesty International urges legislative reforms to combat caste-based discrimination, improve labor protections, and prevent discriminatory hiring practices. The report’s findings suggest that the sanitation workforce in Pakistan is trapped in a cycle of exploitation stemming from state negligence, social bias, and institutionalized injustice.