Scouts are playing pivotal role for community development, said by Dr. Mehfooz Yar Khan, International Commissioner, Pakistan Boy Scouts Association on 18th May, 2023 during the Closing Ceremony of third Training of Trainers jointly organized by ILO and Pakistan Boy Scouts Association in Karachi.
He further said that global Child Labour is affecting millions of children all over the world including Pakistan and this TOT strengthened capacity of Scout Leaders to bring a positive change in the community for prevention and elimination of Child Labour in Pakistan. Pakistan Boy Scouts Association has a strong presence across Pakistan with huge network of volunteers to provide services for community mobilization for their development. He appreciated the efforts of Mr. Sarfraz Qamar Daha, Chief Commissioner, PBSA for this initiative.
In conjunction with other dignitaries, Mr. Justice Hassan Feroz, Senior Scout Executive & Member, National Council, PBSA Mr. Muhammad Hussain, Mirza, Patron Member, PBSA. Syed Akhtar Meer, Provincial Secretary, Sindh BSA welcomed the participants and shared their experiences with the participants. A renowned advocate and activist Mr. Zia Ahmed Awan, President LHRLA shared the legal framework system related to child labour and child protection.
He said that every child has right to survive, security, development, protection and participation under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He further said that Child labor not only deprives children rights but it is harmful for their health, safety, development and better future.
Pakistan Boy Scouts Association and ILO are working together to prevent and eliminate child labour in Pakistan. Through this TOT, 09 Girl Scouts and 51 scout leaders of Sindh and Balochistan have been trained to work in their educational institutions, mobilize workshop owners, children and their parents to aware risks and hazards of child labour and the importance of education for children. An action plan was also finalized by the participants to achieve the targets set by the both organizations.
