PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC), UNICEF Pakistan, and the district administration of Lower Chitral have agreed to strengthen child protection services and work towards developing Chitral as a model district for integrated child protection systems.
The decision was made during a meeting between a joint UNICEF-KPCPWC delegation and Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Rao Muhammad Hashim. The discussions focused on improving child protection mechanisms, expanding support services for vulnerable children, and strengthening coordination among institutions working in the sector.
Officials emphasized the importance of enhancing the Integrated Child Protection System to improve access to protection services, particularly for children at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or displacement.
Focus on child protection infrastructure
Participants discussed the establishment of a Child Protection Institution in Chitral to provide temporary shelter and support for unaccompanied, runaway, and vulnerable children.
The meeting also highlighted the need to expand awareness campaigns on child rights through print and electronic media, as well as through Community-Based Child Protection Committees operating in remote and rural areas.
According to officials, stronger community engagement is considered essential for improving child protection outcomes and ensuring timely support for children in need.
Review of ongoing initiatives
During their visit to Lower Chitral, members of the delegation reviewed ongoing activities at the District Child Protection Unit and met with community-based protection committees, adolescents, social service workers, and frontline service providers.
The discussions focused on the role of local communities in promoting child rights, preventing violence against children, and improving access to support services.
The delegation also attended an adolescent-led awareness session in Singoor village and reviewed cases being managed through the district’s child protection case management system.
Commitment to strengthen coordination
Officials said the visit provided an opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, and enhance collaboration between government departments, communities, and service providers.
KPCPWC and UNICEF are currently working together to strengthen child protection systems across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through district-level protection units, referral mechanisms, case management systems, and community-based support structures.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from KPCPWC, UNICEF, and the district administration to further strengthen child protection services and support the development of Chitral as a model district for child welfare and protection.
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