Children comprise 48% of Pakistan’s population. They continue to face issues related to violence, abuse, lack of social welfare, insufficient protection structures, and more importantly, lack of a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of their rights. The UNCRC clearly emphasises on child-focused public expenditure. It is mentioned in Article 4 of the Constitution of Pakistan that “With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, State Parties shall undertake such measures to the maximum extent of their available resources and where needed within the framework of international cooperation”.
However, child rights are not specifically laid down in the Constitution. Legally, the “rights of the child” are to be considered as a subset of the fundamental rights of citizens but unfortunately the country lacks a ministry or a department that acknowledges them. A long list of legislation passed by the parliament in recent times is not being implemented properly owing to budget difficulties. It goes without saying that the government needs to prioritise child rights in accordance with the Constitution and the international conventions to which Pakistan is a signatory. The UNCRC has strongly recommended that Pakistan should start the budget tracking of children-specific expenditures. This will greatly facilitate specific budgeting and improve monitoring.
Only a proper legislative framework can mitigate any problems in the adoption of children-specific laws as lack of a uniform policy regarding child rights seems to be the root cause. Resultantly, children-specific projects remain sporadic and inconsistent. The media and civil society should play its role in voicing the situation to the government.
Noor-ur-Rehman
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2020.
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