NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 20TH NOVEMBER, 2015
PR No. 198
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: November 19, 2015
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 2015
As Pakistan stands amongst the International community to celebrate
Universal Children’s Day on 20th November we re-affirm our commitment
and determination to safeguard the rights of our children. As a
signatory to the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC), Pakistan always remained in the forefront to advocate, protect
and promote child rights.
Islam enjoins upon us the sacred task of care, protection and
development of children. In pursuit of our religious as well as
international obligations, the Government is fully cognizant of the need
for protection and development needs of children, who are our greatest
resource. As an Islamic Republic, we are under obligation to observe the
best interest of children and provide them access to development
opportunities without any discrimination. I re-affirm my pledge for
their welfare, protection and development to help them become useful
citizens of this country as well as productive members of the global
village. Our commitment to child welfare continues to reflect in state
policies.
I would also like to appreciate the efforts of Ministry of Law, Justice
and Human Rights for strengthening child protection mechanisms in the
country. In this regard, I urge the Federal and Provincial Governments
and social sector to provide an enabling environment for the protection
and development rights of children.
I also appreciate the UN agencies and Non-Government Organizations for
their efforts for continuously advocating and highlighting the child
rights and related issues. I hope they will continue to pursue this
important mission with the same zeal and spirit.
May Allah bless us in this noble cause- Ameen.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 20TH NOVEMBER, 2015
PR No. 202
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: November 19, 2015
MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER ON THE OCCASION OF UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 2015
It is a matter of great pride that we are celebrating Universal
Children Day today. Pakistan is committed to implement the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and its provisions
in true letter and spirit. It is a vital document which provides the
basic principles for the rights of the children. The Government
throughout the years has taken concrete measures to ensure children’s
rights to survival, development, protection and participation as
envisaged in the UNCRC.
It is our national duty to protect the best interests of our children.
Children are a vulnerable segment of society, particularly in developing
countries. In this context we have to reaffirm our commitment for
protection of child rights to make our children useful citizens. I have
approved the legislation proposed by the Ministry of Law, Justice and
Human Rights with regard to Child Abuse, Child Pornography and enhancing
the minimum age of criminal liability. I have noted with pleasure that
Punjab and Sindh have introduced amendments in the Child Marriage
Restraint Act, 1929. I am hopeful that we would establish an autonomous
and independent National Commission for Child Rights in the near future.
The Punjab government has launched a Mega Project for elimination of
child labour in all the districts and I am hopeful that other provinces
will also take initiatives for eliminating child labour. A major focus
of the government is to improve the education and living conditions for
the girl child.
I, urge the civil society, NGOs, philanthropist, international
development partners, media and corporate sectors to come forward as
partners and play an effective role for protection of child rights. I am
glad to note that the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights is
making all out efforts for protection and promotion of child rights in
collaboration with the relevant stakeholders and practitioners in the
country.
I urge the Federal Ministries and Provincial Government to sincerely
undertake the required legislative, administrative and social sector
reforms to create an enabling environment for children. I also
appreciate the UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations for their
efforts for continuously advocating and highlighting the child rights. I
hope they will cfontinue to pursue this important mission with the same
zeal and vigor.
May Allah bless us in this noble cause-Ameen.
