PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission has launched a province-wide awareness campaign against child sexual abuse and exploitation, with a focus on prevention, early identification of risks and responsible reporting.
The campaign is aimed at helping families and communities recognise potential warning signs, improve preventive practices and strengthen coordination between institutions responsible for child protection across the province.
Secretary Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Sharif Hussain formally launched the initiative at an event attended by government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, religious scholars, media representatives and child protection stakeholders.
Campaign Focuses on Prevention and Early Reporting
KPCPWC Chief Ijaz Muhammad Khan said the campaign would work at family and community levels to improve awareness and encourage timely reporting of suspected abuse or exploitation.
He said effective child protection required coordinated action by parents, schools, communities, government institutions, civil society organisations and the media.
The campaign will also seek to improve understanding of reporting mechanisms and promote safer environments for children at home, in schools and within communities.
Religious and Civil Society Leaders Back Initiative
Religious scholar Gul Muhammad said protecting children’s dignity, safety and well-being was a shared moral and social responsibility.
He called on families, communities and institutions to work together to safeguard children from harm.
Qamar Naseem, Programme Manager at Blue Veins, also stressed the need for collective action, saying the safety and best interests of children should remain central to all prevention and protection efforts.
Young People Included in Awareness Effort
Adolescent girls from the Rise & Shine Girls Leadership Network took part in different segments of the event, highlighting the importance of giving children and young people safe spaces to express their views on issues affecting their rights and protection.
Participants also visited information and education stalls displaying awareness material on child protection, prevention strategies and reporting mechanisms.
Attendees signed a campaign pledge reaffirming their commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
The KPCPWC said the awareness drive would continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in partnership with government departments, development organisations, civil society groups, communities, media, religious leaders and children and adolescents.