Child protection mechanism: Stakeholders' involvement stressed

The child protection mechanism requires the involvement of various stakeholders to chalk out strategy to ensure that all the children have equal access to basic rights without exploitation. This was stated by Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi Advisor/Head of Children's Complaint Office while addressing a CSOs meeting on child rights organised by the Ombudsman Secretariat here on Monday.
"We have undertaken many initiatives but recognise that strengthening child protection mechanism is a process that requires the involvement of various stakeholders," said Ejaz, adding that it is important to consider what we as parents, teachers, officials or journalists can do to make sure that all children have equal access to basic rights without exploitation.
Ejaz Qureshi further said that his office not only monitors Pakistan's compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child but also receives and resolves complaints from and about children against mal-administration by government agencies. The meeting was attended by senior officials of British Council, Children Global Network, SHARP, Fazaldad Human Rights Institute and Sahil. The meeting was organised to discuss concerns of CSOs on child rights, implementation of the UNCRC and the government's role.
Prominent CSOs working on Child Rights issues joined together and discussed policy matters shared constraints and propose recommendations, for effective implementation of baseline studies.
All CSOs reiterated the need for a co-ordinated networking of addressing child rights issues. Meeting introduced the CCO to the civil society and provided a platform for CSOs to voice their concerns on child rights and implementation of the UNCRC.
They further said that this meeting built a mutual relationship and discussed measures being taken by CSOs to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). All CSOs were determined to promote awareness about the CCO, WMS and the UNCRC. Innovative ideas to propagate child rights, and bring new partners on board for the effective implementation of the UNCRC, within the government and related organisations were discussed.