Zubair Qureshi
Addressing the pressing need arising from the swiftly changing factors impacting the child rights landscape in Pakistan, the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) unveiled a forward-thinking 3-year strategic plan and a policy brief on child trafficking.
This initiative is a result of a comprehensive desk review and consultative process with key stakeholders, child rights experts, and voices from civil society, demonstrating the NCRC’s commitment to promote and protect child rights in line with Pakistan’s international obligations.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
She stated, “Child trafficking is a violation of the fundamental rights of our most vulnerable population. The policy brief and strategic plan embodies NCRC’s commitment to confronting this issue head-on, with a focus on prevention, protection, and prosecution”.
The NCRC’s strategic vision is anchored in the promise to uphold the rights of every child. By the year 2026, the strategic plan aims to deliver a measurable improvement in the enforcement of child rights, making every effort that this promise is translated into impactful evidence-based actions by state entities and civil society.
Emphasizing collaboration as a cornerstone, the NCRC’s strategic plan prioritizes partnerships with diverse stakeholders. The collaborative approach recognizes the collective responsibility of all sectors to protect and promote the rights of children in Pakistan. Finally, the strategic plan is not just a document; it represents a commitment to transformative actions.
During the launch, Chairperson NCRC Ayesha RazaFarooq emphasized the potential impact of the strategic plan. “This is not just a roadmap; it is a commitment to transforming the destiny of our children. By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering partnerships, we aim to actively enforce the rights of every child in Pakistan,” stated Ayesha RazaFarooq.
Dr. RinchenChophel, Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) addressing the launch event stated “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 (UNCRC), I commend this initiative and believe it will contribute significantly to shaping a future where the rights of every child are not only acknowledged but actively protected and promoted.”
Christine Chung, representing the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said “In May 2023, Pakistan was subject to the first cycle of the universal periodic review, during which the government made commitments to work on recommendations from other member states that included combatting child marriage and raising minimum age of marriage, promoting children’s right to quality education, combating child labour. Our office acknowledges that these recommendations have been translated into the strategic plan presented by the Commission”.
Dr. InoussaKabore Deputy Representative, UNICEF stated “The strategic plan is a commendable step towards safeguarding the rights of children in Pakistan. We believe that the strategic priorities outlined – evidence and knowledge, partnership, and transformation – aligns with the global efforts to ensure every child’s well-being. This collaborative approach sets a positive precedent for effective child rights enforcement, and we look forward to witnessing the lasting impact of this strategic plan on the lives of children across the country.”
“Prioritizing awareness, capacity building, and policy reform will transform the future of children in Pakistan.
