Call to curb child rights abuses
We often find ourselves in the terrible situation where laws against child abuse are not implemented even where they exist. PHOTO: QAZI USMAN/EXPRESS
Child abuse is a grave violation of children’s rights and one of the greatest threats to their lives, survival and development. The country needs to curb the rising phenomenon at the earliest.
These remarks were shared by the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) Chairperson Afshan Tehseen Bajwa on the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
She said ensuring children’s rights was particularly important because Pakistan has a unique window of opportunity where the youth can truly determine the country’s future.
“But the rising number of child abuse cases is a matter of serious concern. The time to act is now. Strengthening child rights protection mechanisms, new legislations and public awareness campaigns are the need of the hour,” she added.
Afshan Tehseen said the commission has established a complaint mechanism that has effectively addressed the problem of child abuse in Pakistan.
The NCRC has analysed various child rights violations in Pakistan and has issued policy briefs on street children, child marriages, forced conversion, child domestic labour, juvenile justice system, etc. to identify gaps and recommend remedial measures to key stakeholders, she added.
The office bearer also said the government has taken a number of initiatives to protect and promote the rights of children, but given the scale of the problem in Pakistan, these are not enough and urgent action should be taken.
She went on to say that the enactment of laws and implementation mechanisms vary from province to province, but overall enforcement remains a challenge.
There is a need to establish a separate ministry or department for children at the federal and provincial levels, she said adding that advisers on children’s rights should be appointed at the federal and provincial cabinets.
The NCRC chairperson maintained that the commission is committed to strengthening laws that govern children’s rights, and it will continue its work with the federal and provincial governments to advocate for the implementation of child protection laws. She said the rights body also aimed to build a holistic child protection system in Pakistan.
Tehseen Bajwa called on all agencies and civil society organisations to work towards developing synergies to create a Pakistan where all children grow up in an environment free from violence and abuse.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2022.