Juvenile welfare: Balochistan unveils child protection bill

Child Welfare and Protection Bureau shall be set up for monitoring work of child protection unit at district level.


July 22, 2011

QUETTA:


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.

COMMENTS (4)

Asiya Arif. K | 12 years ago | Reply

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.

Abdullah Khoso | 12 years ago | Reply

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.

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