Child protection unit launched for NMDs

Facility inaugurated in Khyber district to safeguard rights

PESHAWAR:

In a significant step towards ensuring the protection and welfare of children in the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a Child Protection Unit was inaugurated in the Khyber District.

The unit is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's rights and will work to prevent or address cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children.

The inauguration event was attended by a number of senior K-P social welfare department oifficials, including the additional secretary and director.

In his opening remarks, K-P Social Welfare Additional Secretary Muhammad Farooqof praised his department for the successful launch of the Child Protection Unit in Khyber. He stated that children face various forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. "It is our duty to establish robust systems to ensure their safety. This unit will work to identify, protect, and guarantee the rights of children."

Muhammad Farooq emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing complex challenges such as child abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect. He urged relevant departments to closely collaborate with the Khyber Child Protection Unit. He also thanked UNICEF for its support and expressed hope that this partnership would continue in the future.

Khyber Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd) Sanaullah Khan, in his address, stated that the unit was established to provide children with a safe environment and to protect their rights. He assured that the district administration would continue to support the unit and provide all necessary resources to ensure the protection of children's rights.

Social Welfare Director Muhammad Naeem also thanked the participants and gave special thanks to UNICEF for its support in strengthening child protection units in the merged districts.

At the end of the event, a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the official opening of the Khyber Child Protection Unit.