Islamabad: News Desk
Universal Children’s Day 2024 was marked in Islamabad with a vibrant celebration under the theme “For Every Child, Every Right.” The event, organized by the Child Rights Movement (CRM) Pakistan in collaboration with Awaz CDS-Pakistan, United Global Organization of Development (UGOOD), Islamic Relief (IR), and the Youth Development Association (YDA), emphasized the need to uphold and advance the rights of children across Pakistan.
The event, held at H-9/2, coincided with the 35th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It brought together civil society organizations, government representatives, and children from diverse communities to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to providing education, healthcare, protection, and opportunities for children’s meaningful participation.
Activities Empower Children and Build Awareness
The day featured an array of inclusive activities designed to empower children and foster awareness of their rights.
Workshops: Child-led sessions tackled issues like education, healthcare, and protection, with children presenting actionable recommendations for improving their lives.
Cultural Celebrations: The event’s festive atmosphere included cultural performances, games, and face-painting.
Birth Registration Services: A mobile registration unit facilitated birth certificates for marginalized children, ensuring their access to legal rights.
Children from St. Mary’s Primary Education Center showcased their talent with tableaus, songs, and speeches focused on children’s rights. The event also welcomed over 150 students from four schools, who actively participated in discussions and activities.
Syed Ishtiaq Gilani, CEO of UGOOD, highlighted the importance of safeguarding children, calling them both the present and future of the nation. “We must protect children from harm, exploitation, and violence to ensure their development and happiness,” he said.
Zia ur Rehman, CEO of AwazCDS-Pakistan, stressed the urgency of addressing pressing challenges, including the 26 million children out of school and the lack of a unified legal definition of a child. He called for aligning Pakistan’s laws with the UNCRC by defining a child as under 18 years old.
Mr. Waseem, HR Head of SPARC, underlined the importance of supporting children in underprivileged communities, while YDA Head of Operations, Liaqat Masih, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that made the event a success.
Recommendations:
Participants proposed key recommendations, including:
- Quality Education: Expanding access to inclusive and equitable education.
- Child Protection: Strengthening laws to combat child labor, abuse, and exploitation.
- Healthcare Access: Improving mental health services, vaccinations, and nutrition.
- Birth Registration: Streamlining processes to ensure every child’s legal identity.
- Child Participation: Establishing platforms for children to influence decisions affecting them.
- Climate Resilience: Addressing the impacts of climate change on children.
- Digital Access: Promoting digital literacy and online safety.
- Recreational Spaces: Investing in parks and cultural activities.
- Disability Inclusion: Ensuring equal opportunities for children with disabilities.
- Food Security: Strengthening initiatives to combat child poverty and hunger.
The celebration underscored the shared responsibility of protecting and empowering children. Stakeholders urged immediate action to address systemic barriers and create a society where every child can thrive.
As the event concluded, organizers and participants committed to advancing the rights and well-being of children, reaffirming their dedication to leaving no child behind.
