Description:
(Children's Rights Activist)
Iqbal Masih was a Pakistani boy who fought against child labour until his death at the tender age of 12. When he was 4, he was sold by his parents to a carpet weaving company to work as a carpet weaver. In order to make sure he won’t escape, he and other children were kept tied to the chains. When Iqbal was 10, the supreme court of Pakistan declared child labour illegal and that gave the brave boy an opportunity to escape. His freedom didn’t last long though and he was caught by the police and handed back over to his employer. His second attempt was a successful one and Iqbal started studying while expressing a desire to become a lawyer to fight the evil of child labour. While returning from the USA from one of his campaigns, Iqbal was shot dead by a heroin addict who belonged to the Pakistani carpet mafia. He remains an icon for Pakistani kids who are still unable to free themselves from the evil of child labour.
Died on
April 16, 1995
Parents
Saif Masih
Inayat Bibi
What was Iqbal Masih's impact on child labor activism?
Iqbal Masih became a symbol of the fight against child labor after escaping from bonded labor at a carpet factory in Pakistan and speaking out against child labor practices.
What was the cause of Iqbal Masih's death?
Iqbal Masih was tragically murdered at the age of 12, likely due to his activism against child labor, sparking outrage and further attention to the issue.
How did Iqbal Masih raise awareness about child labor?
Iqbal Masih traveled internationally to speak about his own experiences as a child laborer, bringing attention to the exploitation of children in the carpet industry.
What organizations continue Iqbal Masih's legacy in the fight against child labor?
Organizations such as the Bonded Labor Liberation Front (BLLF) and the Iqbal Masih Shaheed Welfare Society work to eradicate child labor and promote education and rights for children.
How did Iqbal Masih's story inspire others to take action against child labor?
Iqbal Masih's courage and determination inspired individuals and organizations around the world to advocate for the rights of children and work towards ending child labor.
