Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) turned 25

Government and Non-Government Organizations pledge to protect and promote child rights

by Amir Murtaza
December 2, 2014

The participants of a program vowed to make Pakistan a safe, secure and better place for the future generations. It was organized in connection to a series of events planned as part of the 25th anniversary of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20th November.

Social Welfare Department (SWD) Government of Sindh in collaboration with UNICEF organized the program on 20th November, 2014 at Social Welfare Training Institute, Karachi. A large number of People from different sections of the society including Government Officials, Officials of UNICEF, International Organizations, NGOs, CBOs, School Children, teachers and parents participated in the gathering.

Speakers of the Universal Children’s Day informed that United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the CRC on 20th November 1989. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified more quickly and by more governments than any other human rights instrument in history. It was informed that CRC is an international treaty that recognizes the human rights of children, defined as persons up to the age of 18 years. It makes children the holders of over 40 fundamental rights. It was added that, “CRC is a pledge by the State Parties to protect and promote the rights of children and the Universal Children’s Day reminds us to work for the children of the country.”

The Secretary Social Welfare Department (SWD) Sindh informed that SWD is committed to the protection and promotion of child rights in the province. Social Welfare Department (SWD) Sindh has established Child Protection Units (CPUs) in Twelve (12) districts including Karachi, Hyderabad, TM Khan, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Jacobabad. These Child Protection Units (CPUs) have been established with the support of UNICEF.

It was informed that the establishment of the Child Protection Units (CPUs) in different parts of the province is part of the mechanism intended to strengthen the child protection system at local level. It was added that Child Protection Units (CPUs) offers support to children, victim of abuse, violence or neglect and provides help through a referral network of service providers, comprising both government departments and non-government organizations.

The participants of the program were informed that in 2014; Child Protection Units (CPUs) received more than three thousand calls as well as cases of different nature including abuse, violence, missing children, family tracing, early child marriage, corporal punishment, disability certificate, health, education and financial support. It was also informed that Child Protection Units (CPUs) have so far provided benefit to 18,365 children in different districts of Sindh province.

On the occasion of Universal Children’s Day; Social Welfare Department Sindh also endorsed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Child Protection Units (CPUs). These SOPs have been prepared with the coordination of Departments of Social Welfare of all four provinces with assistance from UNICEF. The overarching purpose of the document is to provide clear guidance on case management, administrative and professional requirements. Furthermore, it sets specific standard procedures to be followed at each step of the child protection process within the CPU.

At the end of the program, it was observed by a speaker that 25th anniversary of Universal Children’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made during the last twenty five (25) years; additionally, it also reminds us to work hard for the protection of our future generations. It was reiterated that Social Welfare Department (SWD), Government of Sindh and UNICEF are fully committed and trying their level best for the elimination of all forms of violence against children, both girls and boys. The program was concluded on a national song, immaculately sung by the student of Government Boys & Girls School, Sita Nagar, Sachal Goth, Karachi.

Amir Murtaza is a senior researcher, analyst and writer on social development issues, especially pertaining to women, youth and children.

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