On the eve of
Universal Children’s Day, it is heartening to note that Pakistan joins the
international community to celebrate the Day with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Pakistan stands firm in its commitment and accords top priority to the children
in ensuring their survival, protection, development and rights.
The Celebration of this Day reminds
us of our obligations and commitments for the rights of our children. At the
Regional level, Pakistan is also signatory to the SAARC Convention on Regional
Arrangements for promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia; and SAARC Convention
on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution.
Despite the fact that Pakistan is
facing many challenges, a number of policies, legislative, administrative and
programmatic measures have been taken by the Ministry of Human Rights. The
Ministry is implementing a National Plan of Action for Human Rights which has
an exclusive chapter on child protection, child labour, education and other
measures for ending discrimination and violence against children. On 18th
March, 2016 the Ministry of Human Rights has promulgated the land mark
legislation “Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2016” which has raised the
age of criminal responsibility from 7 to 10 years and set the upper threshold
from 12 to 14 years. This act has introduced punishment for cruelty to child
and child pornography for the first time. The proper implementation of the law
is a challenge ahead for which we are all prepared. The enactment of National
Commission on the Rights of the Child Act 2017 is a great contribution for
providing the child-friendly environment to the children in Pakistan. The
Ministry of Human Rights has also drafted Islamabad Capital Territory Child
Protection Bill, 2017 to protect the vulnerable children at ICT level.
Moreover, the Juvenile Justice System Bill, 2017 has been drafted in
consultations with the stakeholders at national and provincial levels to
provide a congenial environment to the children in conflict with the law.
In order to effectively address the
child protection issues, all the stakeholders must put their efforts to ensure
healthy growth and development of children. This is our national duty to
protect the interests of the children and provide them equal opportunities. I
hope that the relevant UN Agencies, corporate sector, civil society
organizations and media will play proactive role in creating protective
environment for children.
May Allah bless us in this noble
cause. Ameen
