Juvenile welfare: Balochistan unveils child protection bill
The draft of the proposed Balochistan Child Welfare and Protection Bill of 2011 was unveiled at a workshop organised by the provincial government in collaboration with Sparc and Unicef on Thursday.
Sparc’s national manager Rashad Aziz said that suggestions for the draft of the proposed bill had been received by his organisation during meetings with officials of departments of social welfare, women development and special education.
He said: “The proposed bill focuses on providing protection to children against violence, harm, injury, abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment and exploitation in Balochistan.”
He said that after the passage of the bill, a Child Welfare and Protection Bureau shall be set up for monitoring the work of the child protection unit at district level.
He said that a retired high court judge should be a member of the board to supervise the Child Protection Bureau, and that there would be separate male and female child protection officers.
He added that the proposed law would keep a check to prevent children from being used for illegal purposes, besides curbing child labour and defining the role of foster parents.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2011.
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Indeed encouraging. Balochistan shouldn't be neglected or ignored rather serious efforts are required in promotion and protection of child rights in already vulnerable situation. Its good to notice civil society organisations collaborating for this purpose.
It is indeed a very positive news to know that the Government of Balochistan has seriously been pursing the agenda of child welfare and protection. To this date, Balochistan is the only province that is devoid of laws and institutions related to the welfare and protection of children who are at risk and going to be at risk. In the given grime situation where militants are sparing nothing to exploit and misuse children for their vested interest, there is a dire need to introduce such law that could ensure maximum protection of children. I am sure the provincial government will expedite the process of getting the bill passed from the assembly. Children of Balochistan are seeking a protected childhood and bright future.
The proposed bill is a great effort towards child protection in Balochistan as it would keep check on prevention of children from exploitation by all means. Looking forward to approval and implementation of this bill. Great work SPARC and UNICEF!
This is a long awaited step from the government of Balochistan, Balochistan being the only province of Pakistan with no children specific legislation. In the post 18th Amendment scenario where children related legislation has become the responsibility of the provinces, its very important that the Balochistan Assembly introduce this bill as soon as possible. This is a comprehensive bill and propose a child protection system to protect children at risk and even to take steps for prevention of violence against children.
Furthermore, the government of Balochistan also need to introduce legislation for the implementation of the newly inserted Article 25-A in the Constitution about right to free and compulsory education for children of 5 to 16 years. The federal government also need to support the problems stricken province financially to be able to implement its constitutional and international obligations concerning children.