LAHORE: The Punjab government and Unicef will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) shortly for implementing world agreements for eliminating child and forced labour.

For the purpose terms of reference (ToR) for the MoU were discussed in a meeting between representatives of the Unicef`s Child Protection section (Child Advocacy Network) and the Punjab Human Rights and Minorities Department.

The Unicef was represented by Sara Collman while Provincial Minister for Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu represented the department.

Child Advocacy Network head Iftikhar Ahmed, Human Rights secretary Asim Iqbal and others were also present.

The minister assured the visitors that the government was taking every possible step to provide good environment for upbringing and welfare of the children.

He counted the measures the government was taking for registration of children at brick kilns and sending them to schools, providing them scholarships and eliminating forcedandchildlabour.

He said that in collaboration with the Unicef, his department would devise a comprehensive plan for its implementation at the grass root level.

Mr Iqbal said the government was ready for cooperation with the Unicef.

Ms Collaman appreciated the recent legislation regarding the child and forced labour and shared her opinion for the implementation of these laws. Staff Reporter