Golden children

On the global stage, human statues are performance artists who usually stand motionless at city centres for purposes of arts and entertainment. But this trend, cloaked under the guise of street performance, has been exported to Pakistan and particularly Karachi in borderline abusive conditions. At various junctions across the city, you can spot children acting as statues donned in silver or golden paint in hopes of receiving alms by passing onlookers. These children are forced by their parents to stand under the scorching sun and in the cold winter breeze for extensive periods of time — and oftentimes they are the bread winners for their families.

At first glance, they may seem entertaining for onlookers, as such street performances are usually appreciated for the skillset they demand of standing for hours without moving. But ‘statue children’ on the streets of Karachi are neither doing it for the skill or the performance. Instead, they are exploited by adults who justify the practice by claiming downtrodden economic conditions. These children are actively denied of their rights, including the rights to safety, education and security.

Moreover, the paint that is used is often mixed with aluminium powder, lead-based chemicals and mercury. These ‘ingredients’ are extremely harmful for even adult-skin, let alone a child’s skin which is even more sensitive. Several professionals have alerted the government about risks of skin diseases and even cancer as a result of extended exposure.

Apart from sparse attempts at removing children from these sites, the local administration has not taken meaningful action to curb this exploitative practice. Simply removing them does not address the root of the problem, which is the lack of enforcement of children’s rights. The government must implement policies that protect children from such exploitation to safeguard not only their present, but also their futures.