ISLAMABAD: Addressing the compelling need created by the rapidly changing variables influencing Pakistan’s child rights landscape, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) published a forward-thinking three-year strategy plan and a policy brief on child trafficking. This initiative is the product of a thorough desk assessment and consultative process with key stakeholders, child rights experts, and civil society representatives, indicating the NCRC’s commitment to promoting and protecting child rights in accordance with Pakistan’s international duties.
The NCRC’s strategic strategy is based on the vow to protect the rights of all children.
The strategy plan emphasizes the importance of evidence generation and knowledge. The NCRC seeks to provide a solid foundation of evidence-based practices, providing policymakers and stakeholders with the insights they need to determine effective policies and actions.
The NCRC’s strategic strategy emphasizes collaboration as a cornerstone and prioritizes collaborations with a variety of stakeholders. The collaborative approach acknowledges that all sectors have responsibilities for protecting and promoting children’s rights in Pakistan. Finally, the strategic plan is more than just a document; it signifies a commitment to transformational change.
During the launch, NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the strategic plan’s potential impact. “This is more than simply a road map; it is a pledge to change the fate of our children. Ayesha Raza Farooq remarked that by applying evidence-based solutions and developing partnerships, we hope to aggressively enforce the rights of every child in Pakistan.
Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), noted at the inaugural ceremony that “the Commission’s strategic plan is a beacon of hope, providing a roadmap for transformative actions.” As a Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), I appreciate your initiative and believe it will greatly contribute to crafting a future where every child not acknowledged.
Christine Chung, representing the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated, “In May 2023, Pakistan was subjected to the first cycle of the universal periodic review, during which the government made commitments to work on recommendations from other member states, including combating child marriage and raising the minimum marriage age, promoting children’s right to quality education, and combating child labor. Our office acknowledges that the Commission’s strategic strategy incorporates these proposals.
Dr. Inoussa Kabore, Deputy Representative, UNICEF, commented, “The strategy plan is a laudable step towards protecting children’s rights in Pakistan. We feel that the identified strategic priorities – evidence and knowledge, cooperation, and change – are consistent with global efforts to promote every child’s well-being. This joint approach establishes a favorable precedent for effective child rights enforcement, and we hope to see the long-term impact of this strategic strategy on the lives of children across the country.”
“Prioritizing awareness, capacity building, and policy reform will change the future of Pakistan’s children. AD Khawaja, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, emphasized that the implementation of child rights laws and the establishment of a coordination system with provincial child protection authorities are urgently required.
The event also saw the introduction of a child policy that goes into the complicated subject of child trafficking, presenting an in-depth examination of the current landscape, challenges encountered, and solutions for effective prevention and intervention. The thorough document addresses the intricacies of child trafficking in order to provide targeted remedies.
At the event’s conclusion, a panel discussion comprising top industry professionals took center stage. Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO (Social Services and Development Organization), shared his knowledge and provided significant insights into the complex issues surrounding child trafficking. Zaheer Ahmed, former Director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Smuggling Unit, and Azam Tabani from the National Police Bureau joined him on the panel, providing a wealth of knowledge and a law enforcement perspective to the discussion. Ms. Shahida Gilani, Senior Programme Officer specialized in Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, offered a detailed grasp of the complex dynamics involved in combating these serious concerns. Member Punjab, Mehek Naeem, chaired the panel discussion, ensuring a thorough examination of the policy brief’s core suggestions and encouraging a collaborative exchange of views among participants. This enlightening panel discussion highlighted the collective commitment to addressing the pressing difficulties faced by child trafficking, as well as the need of joint efforts to develop effective solutions in the ongoing fight against this horrible crime.
Chief Guest Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, observed, “Child trafficking violates the fundamental rights of our most vulnerable population. The policy brief and strategic plan reflect the NCRC’s determination to address this issue head on, with an emphasis on prevention, protection, and prosecution.”
The NCRC recognizes that preventing child trafficking needs a collaborative effort from government agencies, non-profit groups, law enforcement, and the general public. The policy brief and strategic plan serve as a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to work together and prioritize child protection from exploitation and trafficking.
