Child protection in the spotlight
A comprehensive consultation was convened to finalize the draft of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Policy, signaling a crucial milestone in the province’s efforts to safeguard its children.
The event was organized by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KP CP&WC), in partnership with UNICEF, underscoring the collaborative approach taken in shaping this vital policy.
Leading the charge in this consultation was Justice (retrd) Irshaq Qaiser, the Caretaker Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment. The draft policy, crafted over a two-year period, received support from UNICEF and expertise from consultants affiliated with Oxford Programme Management (OPM). It stands as a testament to the shared commitment of K-P CP&WC and the Ministry of Social Welfare to create a secure and nurturing environment for the children of the province.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Policy is a well-structured document that delineates clear objectives for child protection, establishes governance arrangements, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of relevant departments, organizations, and institutions. UNICEF’s Sohail Ahmad, recognizing the significance of this policy, emphasized its comprehensive framework for child protection.
He underscored the imperative need for consensus among all stakeholders to establish a holistic child protection system, one that embraces diverse perspectives.
This inclusive consultation featured a diverse array of participants, including government experts, civil society organizations, and even children themselves, who provided invaluable feedback. The collective commitment is to refine the draft further, subject it to the scrutiny of the minister, and ultimately seek the approval of the cabinet.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2023.