Joint Efforts for Child Rights in Pakistan

In recent years, the issue of child rights has gained significant attention worldwide, with various organizations and communities coming together to address the alarming rates of violence against children. The need for a united front to protect the most vulnerable members of society has never been more pressing. In Pakistan, this call for action was echoed by Sarah Ahmad, the Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau and a Member of the Provincial Assembly, during an international panel discussion focused on ending violence against children.

The panel discussion, which took place in Lahore, was organized in collaboration with several esteemed organizations, including Arigato International, UNICEF, the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, World Vision, and the World Council of Churches. This event brought together prominent figures from various countries, who engaged in meaningful conversations about the crucial role that religious communities can play in safeguarding child rights.

Among the notable attendees were Muslim religious scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Lathome from Nairobi, Director of Religious Affairs Alexander James from Colombia, Zambia’s Minister for Community Development Susan Musonda, Senior Program Officer of Arigato International Omella Beiros, and Global Director of World Vision International Bill Forbes. Their collective expertise and insights underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing child protection issues.

During her address, Sarah Ahmad emphasized the necessity of joint efforts to promote child rights and eliminate violence against children. She pointed out that religious communities hold a significant position in ensuring the protection of children. "As per the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the Child Protection Bureau, in collaboration with UNICEF, has included leaders of all religions in the child protection committees established for this purpose," she stated.

Furthermore, Ahmad announced that an advocacy and awareness campaign on child protection would be launched in partnership with UNICEF and Search for Justice. This campaign aims to engage religious scholars at 900 shrines across Punjab, highlighting the importance of community involvement in child protection efforts. She also shared successful examples from Bangladesh and Mauritania, where child trafficking issues were effectively addressed through partnerships with religious leaders.

In Pakistan, the successful polio campaign serves as a testament to the vital role local scholars and religious leaders can play in public health initiatives. Ahmad reiterated that these leaders, along with policymakers, are crucial in the fight against violence and exploitation of children.

The collaborative efforts between government institutions and religious communities are essential for the welfare and protection of children. Sarah Ahmad's insights shed light on Pakistan's ongoing initiatives to prevent child exploitation and protect children. By fostering strategic partnerships, the government and religious communities can work hand in hand to effectively promote child rights, ensuring a safer and brighter future for the next generation. It is imperative that all sectors of society come together to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, free from fear and violence.