Universal Children’s Day: ‘It’s time we fight for our children’

CPWB chairperson says people can play important part in making day relevant

LAHORE: Universal Children’s Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights.

This will translate into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children, said Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Chairperson Saba Sadiq.

She was speaking at an annual sports festival organised by the CPWB on Monday. A large number of children from Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sialkot and Bahawalpur offices attended the event.



Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Khuram Roheel Asghar was the chief guests on the occasion.

Sadiq said that mothers and parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, government leaders, civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls, young people and children themselves could play an important part in making Universal Children’s Day relevant for their societies, communities, and nations.

According to an estimate, primary school enrolment had declined in 21 countries, including Syria and Tanzania, due to the financial crisis, rapid population growth, and conflicts. However, in Pakistan, 100,000 children were brought to school in 2016 under the ‘Every Child in School Campaign’.

According to the UNICEF analysis, almost 147,000 children, who might otherwise have been excluded from education, have been enrolled in alternative learning programmes in Pakistan.

Universal Children’s Day was observed across the world, including Pakistan, on Monday with a call to ensure the rights of children. The day was first observed in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and improved welfare of kids.



Assessing children’s prospects in escaping extreme poverty, getting a basic education and avoiding violent deaths, the UNICEF analysis reveals that: the share of people living on less than $1.90 a day has increased in 14 countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Madagascar, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This increase is mostly due to unrest, conflicts or poor governance.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2017.