Every child has right to grow in safe environment: CM

World Children's Day marked with commitments to save children from distress, hunger, fear, and oppression

KARACHI:

On World Children's Day, the Sindh government reaffirms the right of every child to grow, learn, play, and flourish in a safe, responsive and friendly environment, free of distress, hunger, fear and oppression.

This was stated by Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar while speaking at the World Children's Day programme organised by the School Education and Literacy Department (SELD) in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan at a local hotel.

The programme was attended by Sindh Caretaker Minister for Education Rana Hussain, SELD Secretary Dr Shereen Narejo, UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil, and children.

Baqar said Pakistan was committed to upholding the promotion and protection of the human rights of all children and fulfilling its national and international obligations in that regard. "On World Children's Day, my government reaffirms the right of every child to grow, in a safe, free of distress, hunger, fear, and oppression."

The CM said that the Children were the most precious resource of any nation and the sole guarantee for its future. "The government of Sindh is determinedly striving and making every effort to ensure that children have access to and enjoy their rights particularly birth registration, access to education, nutrition and healthcare, clean drinking water and sanitation, dignity, security, and all other rights as envisaged in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child," he said.

He appreciated the UNICEF and other partners and the education department working collaboratively for the full realization of child rights.

Education Minister Rana Hussain said, "World Children's Day prompted us to acknowledge the challenges that our children face while fostering the optimism that, collectively, we can and should do more to ensure that every child's rights are not just recognized but fully realized."

She underscored the essential role of women in the holistic development of children, both at home and in schools.

Women play a pivotal role in rearing children, influencing their well-being, and shaping their futures. Recognizing and supporting this role is fundamental to fostering a nurturing environment for our children.

SELD Secretary Dr Shireen Narejo said that they were trying to implement Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act.

The All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association hosted a children’s tableau show on International Children’s Day, where students from Karachi educational institutions not only celebrated the occasion but also voiced their concerns about the atrocities in Palestine. Prof. Afzal Ansari, Director General of Private Institutions Sindh, emphasised the international definition of children up to 18 years old. Haider Ali, chairman of the association, dedicated the day to oppressed Palestinian children. The event, attended by 800 students and two hundred representative delegations from various Sindh districts.

Separately, an awareness walk and photo exhibition at Aga Khan University Hospital. Dr Faiza Jahan and Dr Ali Faisal emphasised the need for increased awareness about such occasions, given the injustices and deprivations faced by children globally, including in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2023.