UNICEF acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts towards child rights, SDGs

Pakistan’s efforts for realisation of child rights and the progress towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were acknowledged on Monday by United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Newly appointed Executive Director of the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Catherine M Russell called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The prime minister highlighted key initiatives of the government for achieving the SDGs and Pakistan's inclusive response to the Covid pandemic, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

During the meeting, the UNICEF's country programme in Pakistan, as well as the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, were discussed.

The prime minister also shared Pakistan's efforts for alleviating the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan. He referred to the 'humanitarian corridor' established by Pakistan for supporting the relief operations of UN and other stakeholders.

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The prime minister appreciated the collaboration between the government and the UNICEF. He also outlined priority areas of the government for promotion and protection of rights of child in the country, including increasing enrollment of out-of-school children, upscaling of immunisation programs, catering for child malnutrition and stunting, and improving the infrastructure of public education system.

The UNICEF executive director appreciated the government’s cooperation in the fulfillment of its mandate and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with Pakistan.

She also thanked the prime minister for the support provided by Pakistan to UNICEF's work in Afghanistan. UNICEF is an important development partner of Pakistan and works closely with the Government on a broad range of issues especially those related to women and children. APP

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UNICEF executive director appreciated the government's response in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support to UNICEF in facilitating its humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.

FM Qureshi congratulated Catherine Russel on her appointment and expressed hope that collaboration between Pakistan and UNICEF would further strengthen during her tenure.

He outlined the government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of children and recalled the proactive role played by Pakistan internationally in furthering this cause.

The foreign minister appreciated the vital work being carried out by UNICEF, both globally and in Pakistan, for the realization of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially those related to children.

He shared the steps taken domestically to strengthen the protection and welfare framework for women and children in the country such as the Ehsaas program and Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card.

He highlighted that Pakistan’s Covid-19 response was fully inclusive, covering its citizens and refugees alike.

Qureshi emphasised that despite progress over the years, children remained vulnerable across the globe, particularly in places of protracted conflicts and foreign occupation such as in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).