We must ascertain that all those involved in working towards ensuring better training in justice system are aware
PESHAWAR: This is with reference to a very comprehensive and well-articulated article in this paper, “Now or Never” by Arshad Mahmood (Ausust 25). According to a Unicef-funded study on “The State of Children in Pakistan” by the Children Complaints Office, Islamabad, existing laws suffer from weak implementation and the criminal justice system is also not child-friendly. There is a lack of knowledge and data on the prevalence of abuse and neglect as a whole, especially when it occurs within the family. Vulnerable children are trapped by perpetrators using various tactics, such as bribing them with sweets, and then blackmailing them.
Sexual abuse has a long-lasting impact on the well-being of children, affecting not only their self-esteem and confidence, but also their future marital and family lives. Noting that none of Pakistan’s provinces has any law against child pornography, the government must, therefore, make specific laws to curb child sexual abuse. Keeping in view the task of responding to child protection concerns, concerted efforts are required to bring existing domestic laws in conformity with international standards. To this end, we must ascertain that all those involved in working towards ensuring better training in the justice system are aware of the above shortcomings, and that the necessary funds and resources are provided to create a ‘cadre of child protection professionals’.
Imran Takkar
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2015.
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