Children are the future of any nation, and their well-being and rights should be a top priority for governments and societies. However, in Pakistan, a concerning number of children continue to face various forms of rights abuses.
Pakistan has urged the international community to mobilise the political will to translate pledges made for protecting promoting children’s rights into actions.
Addressing the general debate on the Rights of Children at the UN headquarters on Friday, Pakistan’s representative Saima Saleem also underlined the need to implement the United Nations’ legal and normative framework for children’s rights and developmental needs.
One of the most pervasive violations of children’s rights in Pakistan is child labor. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), an estimated 12.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are engaged in child labor. These children are often subjected to hazardous working conditions, long hours, and low wages, depriving them of their right to education, health, and a normal childhood.
“With 40 per cent of its population below the age of 18, Pakistan accords the highest priority to protecting and promoting the rights of our children who will be the drivers and beneficiaries of development and prosperity in Pakistan,” she said.
Pakistan was one of the co-initiators of the 1990 World Summit for Children, which led to adoption of the landmark Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pakistan was also one of the earliest signatories of the
Convention on Rights of the Child and its two optional Protocols. It has also ratified all core ILO conventions on child labour.
In a separate statement, UN Secretary General António Guterres reminded the world that “20,000 children are driven from their homes every day” due to climate-related disasters. “We need to protect and prioritise them in all our climate action efforts,” he added.
Saima Saleem, a visually impaired Pakistani diplomat at the UN
Access to quality education is a fundamental right of every child. Shockingly, Pakistan has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world. Approximately 22.8 million children in Pakistan are not attending school, with girls disproportionately affected. This situation not only robs children of their right to education but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and ignorance.
Child marriage is a grave violation of children’s rights, with severe physical and psychological consequences. In Pakistan, 21% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 3% are married before they turn 15. Child brides often face early pregnancies, health risks, and limited opportunities for personal development.
Child abuse takes various forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Shockingly, a significant number of children in Pakistan fall victim to such abuse. According to Sahil, an organization working against child abuse, there were 3,832 reported cases of child sexual abuse in Pakistan in 2020. The actual numbers are likely much higher, as many cases go unreported.
Child trafficking is a growing concern in Pakistan. The country serves as both a source and destination for trafficked children. Children are trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and even organ trafficking. It is estimated that thousands of children are trafficked within and outside Pakistan annually.
Despite some improvements in child health indicators, Pakistan still faces significant challenges. Malnutrition affects a staggering 45% of children under the age of five, leading to stunted growth and cognitive impairments. Limited access to clean water and proper sanitation further exacerbates the health challenges faced by children.
Children’s rights abuse in Pakistan is a complex and deeply entrenched issue that demands immediate attention and comprehensive action. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the lives and futures of millions of children who deserve better. It is the responsibility of the government, civil society, and the international community to work together to protect the rights of Pakistan’s children, providing them with the opportunities and care they need to thrive.
