Rights violations: Poverty, social taboos main causes of child abuse
Women, children are worst victims of natural disasters and conflicts.
PESHAWAR:
Poverty, social and religious taboos are the major causes of child abuse and violations of their rights that can be checked by strengthening the social protection system of the country.
These were the consensus views put forward by speakers at a two-day national workshop on child rights, organised by the Wafaqi Mohtasib (federal ombudsman) in collaboration with Sahil, a non-governmental organization.
The speakers further said that in case of natural disasters and calamity, women and children were the most affected.
Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sitara Ayaz said the government had taken a number of initiatives to address various issues related to child rights. She added that the steps are being taken to remove obstacles through a collective approach.
The newly established provincial ombudsman will play a vital role in this regard, she maintained, adding, “There may be a lack of resources but not of will and the system is there to work for the protection and welfare of children”.
She further said that a commission comprising Ulema (clerics), religious scholars and members of the provincial assembly and civil society, lawyers had been constituted to start work in the first week of February.
She added that following proper operation of the commission, the government would be able to address child issues and reunification of children with their families.
Most women and children suffered in the wake of natural disasters and militancy in the province, she observed.
Ejaz Qureshi, head of Child Complaint Office (CCO), established in the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat, said complaints could be registered through simple and easy procedures.
CCO investigation officer Mansoor Ahmad gave a detailed presentation regarding laws and regulations. He said there was a lack of coordination between different federal agencies during the last year. Religious and traditional values are major irritants to implementing laws and regulations, he maintained.
He said that the relevant ministries had turned down many proposals and recommendations due to religious and cultural taboos. He hoped obstacles would be cleared after completion of devolution under the 18th and 19th amendments.
Dr Tufail Muhammad from the Pakistan Pediatric Association said that about 80 per cent of child abuse cases were committed by relatives, neighbours, and close friends. Similarly, he said the fear of being exposed leads abusers to kill the child.
He said the government had allocated just one per cent of the GDP for social protection in the country, while in developed states the allocation is about 12 to 13 per cent.
Child Parliament of Pakistan Member Yousaf Ahmad emphasized the need to enhance the age of majority from 16 to 18 under article 25-A through passage of 18 amendments.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2011.
Poverty, social and religious taboos are the major causes of child abuse and violations of their rights that can be checked by strengthening the social protection system of the country.
These were the consensus views put forward by speakers at a two-day national workshop on child rights, organised by the Wafaqi Mohtasib (federal ombudsman) in collaboration with Sahil, a non-governmental organization.
The speakers further said that in case of natural disasters and calamity, women and children were the most affected.
Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Sitara Ayaz said the government had taken a number of initiatives to address various issues related to child rights. She added that the steps are being taken to remove obstacles through a collective approach.
The newly established provincial ombudsman will play a vital role in this regard, she maintained, adding, “There may be a lack of resources but not of will and the system is there to work for the protection and welfare of children”.
She further said that a commission comprising Ulema (clerics), religious scholars and members of the provincial assembly and civil society, lawyers had been constituted to start work in the first week of February.
She added that following proper operation of the commission, the government would be able to address child issues and reunification of children with their families.
Most women and children suffered in the wake of natural disasters and militancy in the province, she observed.
Ejaz Qureshi, head of Child Complaint Office (CCO), established in the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat, said complaints could be registered through simple and easy procedures.
CCO investigation officer Mansoor Ahmad gave a detailed presentation regarding laws and regulations. He said there was a lack of coordination between different federal agencies during the last year. Religious and traditional values are major irritants to implementing laws and regulations, he maintained.
He said that the relevant ministries had turned down many proposals and recommendations due to religious and cultural taboos. He hoped obstacles would be cleared after completion of devolution under the 18th and 19th amendments.
Dr Tufail Muhammad from the Pakistan Pediatric Association said that about 80 per cent of child abuse cases were committed by relatives, neighbours, and close friends. Similarly, he said the fear of being exposed leads abusers to kill the child.
He said the government had allocated just one per cent of the GDP for social protection in the country, while in developed states the allocation is about 12 to 13 per cent.
Child Parliament of Pakistan Member Yousaf Ahmad emphasized the need to enhance the age of majority from 16 to 18 under article 25-A through passage of 18 amendments.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2011.