90 per cent of the children on their first night on the streets are subjected to sexual abuse.
KARACHI: Last week, on April 12, the world marked International Day for Street Children. It is tragic to note that these children are denied the very basics of a childhood. Far from getting educated, clothed and fed, these children are treated in ways that seem unimaginable for any human, much less for a child. Unfortunately, for these street children, the luxuries of childhood — comfort, peace, security — have been replaced instead by unbearable pangs of hunger, a constant longing for fun things to play with, a burning desire for comfort and security, the need for a roof to protect them from tormenting heat, a chance at a better life, etc.
The children we very often turn away or roll up our car windows on probably desire all these things and yet, have no guidance as to how to achieve their basic rights. Far from providing for them, we are robbing them of the innocence of childhood by turning a blind eye to the increasing incidences of child abuse. According to statistics, 90 per cent of the children on their first night on the streets are subjected to sexual abuse. Who should we blame for this state of affairs? The parents who were gracious enough to bring a child in this world but washed their hands of all responsibility later on? The government that is still to look at the problems faced by street children? The law-enforcement agencies, which even in the presence of laws, have no desire to enforce them? Or, should we blame ourselves because as a society we are equally to blame for neglecting these children? I would like to request the government and society to address this pressing issue.
Amna Billoo
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2013.
