The rights of workers and peasants
What's it About?
The Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living crisis has deepened economic inequality in Pakistan, hitting workers the hardest. Layoffs, pay cuts and precarious jobs are now the norm in many industries. With less than 3 percent of the workforce unionized, most workers have little protection—especially contract workers, women, children, religious minorities, and those in low-paid or informal sectors such as agriculture and domestic work.
Despite making up 42 percent of the workforce, agricultural workers and peasants often lack basic rights, including social security and the freedom to unionize. They are also among the most vulnerable to climate change.
At HRCP, we believe that every worker deserves fair pay, safe conditions and a voice. That is why workers’ rights—and the right to land ownership—are a core part of our mission.
We partner with trade unions, including emerging groups of informal and home-based workers, and support women’s leadership in the labour movement. We advocate for stronger protections under international labour standards and we campaign for every worker’s right to organize, speak out and be heard.
Through research, advocacy and grassroots partnerships, HRCP is working to build a future where economic justice is not a privilege, but a right.
