Pakistan joins the world community today in observing the Universal Children’s Day. Pakistan ratified UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Optional Protocols to the CRC on the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography, as well as Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Pakistan is implementing provisions of these international instruments in letter and spirit.
This year, the international community is also celebrating 30th anniversary of the CRC. The anniversary creates a momentum for the international community to step up its efforts to renew their commitment to protect and promote all their human rights. The present Government has initiated various programs to ensure protection of children’s rights in the country. A National Commission on the Rights of the Child is being set up which will monitor child rights situation in the country. The Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 and ICT Child Protection Act, 2018 have been enacted to provide care and protection to children. A National Child Protection Communication Strategy for the awareness of general masses on child protection issues is also in the pipeline. "Mera Bacha Alert" App is being developed for recovery of kidnapped /abducted children. The App will be connected with Pakistan Citizen Portal.
The Manifesto of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf provides for enhanced focus on childhood nutrition, Child-friendly learning environment, educating our children, promoting early screening and interaction for children with disabilities. The present Government has also initiated programs like healthcare for all, transforming education and unleashing the potential of the youth. Moreover, the expansion of social safety net, providing clean drinking water and tackling climate change are also among the priority areas. Besides, a caring system for people with special needs is also being created. The rule of law and economic justice are being ensured by undertaking various measures.
The Government is building a welfare state where transparency is being guaranteed to all the citizens. The creation of a violence free society and ending child abuse is one of the present Government’s priority areas among others as the future of Pakistan lies with our children. I reaffirm my pledge for protection of child rights in the country enabling them to become productive members and citizens of the society and the State respectively.
On this day, I call upon the academia, members of civil society, corporate sector and media to come forward and play their due role for protection of child rights, thus making Pakistan a child-friendly country.
I am confident that very soon our children will also enjoy the same care, nurturing, protection and opportunities that are available to children in the more advanced nations of the world.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/TELECAST/BROADCAST BY PRINT/ELECTRONIC MEDIA BEFORE 20TH NOVEMBER, 2019.
