Street children have rights like other children. They require protection from harassment, torture and degrading treatment and access to education. Naturally, they are more vulnerable than children protected by parents.
This was said by Society for the Protection of Rights of Children Programme Manager Imran Takkar during an event for street children in Peshawar on Wednesday.
He said terrorism and poverty are the main reason behind increased numbers of children on streets. He said most such children have lost their parents and have no other option but to come out on streets.
Lack of sensitisation among people regarding child protection issues, coupled with limited access to education, further complicates the situation, he added.
He asserted that numerous factors including inadequate implementation of existing laws, legislative framework and existence of discriminatory laws are hampering the creation of an environment that ensures best interests of children.
With additional input from APP
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2011.
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We are condemning our future generations unless we seriously start to protect them through security, by creating opportunities for better education and employment through development and support and aid them through social safety nets and programs, such as shelter, health, etc.