Like other parts of the world, Universal Children's Day will be observed across the country on November 20 with a pledge that all out efforts will be made in partnership of all the public and private agencies, to put in place a child protection system at par with national and international obligations.
The day is observed every year in commemoration of two historic United Nations events ie the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989, which call for promoting the rights of children everywhere around the world.
A spokesperson for Child Rights Council, an NGO, told Business Recorder here on Thursday that different NGOs will be organising various programmes in different parts of the country in which speakers will highlight various issues.
According to her, over one billion children world-wide suffer the severe effects of poverty in terms of not only income but deprivation of basic human rights such as shelter, food, water, sanitation, health, education and information.
Moreover, analysts told Business Recorder that one child of every three live in a dwelling with more than five people per room, or with a mud floor. Nearly 20 percent of the world's children do not have safe water sources or have more than a 15 minutes walk to water.
They said physical, emotional and intellectual impairment that poverty inflicts on children can mean a lifetime suffering and want-and a legacy of poverty for the next generation. This cycle constrains the overall economic and social development of a nation.
They were of the view that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress and the organisation works with other partners throughout the world to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child's path. Breaking the cycle of poverty requires investments by governments, civil society and families in children's rights.
It may be mentioned that Pakistan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and introduced domestic measures, such as the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (JJSO) which came into force in 2000 to fulfil the obligation to protect the rights of children who come in contact with the law.
Moreover, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education is going to launch a study (Report) on "Violence Against Children" on November 20 to mark the day. This report will provide information on the incidence of various types of violence against children within the family, schools, alternative care institutions and detention facilities, places where children work and communities. The study was prepared through a participatory process which included regional, sub-regional and national consultations, expert thematic meetings and field visits. Official sources said the government is committed for the welfare and rehabilitation of children and is providing education and healthcare facilities to the poor, working and street children who are unable to get it.
They said the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has taken an initiative to introduce a child protection law for providing a protective environment to children so they can grow to their potential.
Moreover, various NGOs will hold special programmes to mark the day. In Lahore, the National Society for Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped Children will hold a programme at 43-A Civic Center, Johar Town. According to Professor Dr Khalida Tareen, secretary general of the association, the programme will start at 10.30 am.
The Federal Minister for Industries, Production and Reforms Initiatives will be chief guest. Exhibition of handicrafts prepared by special children will be held.