Govt
urged to expedite action plan implementation
Even though the second National Plan
of Action for Children (NPA) was approved by
the federal cabinet two years ago in May 2006,
what exists in theory has yet to prove instrumental
in creating an environment where the children
of Pakistan can enjoy their fundamental rights
to healthcare, education, recreation and love.
Sentiments to this effect echoed at a well-attended
consultation of civil society organisations
here on Wednesday. Organised by the Society
for the Protection of the Rights of the Child
(Sparc), the event witnessed participation of
representatives of Sungi, SPO, Save the Children
UK and Sweden, PILER-Karachi, SEHER-Quetta,
Rozan, World Vision, PODA, Christian Study Centre,
Sahil, Sharp, LHRLA, ITA and VSO.
There were no two opinions about the reality
that the situation of children is getting worse
with every passing day, and that there are little
chances of improvement unless the new government
places children at the top of its agenda. The
participants discussed the formation of a Child
Rights Support Group to pressurise the government
to implement the National Child Policy and National
Plan of Action for Children (NCP and NPA).
The government, through the National Commission
on Child Welfare and Development (NCCWD), is
working to create an environment in which child
rights are safeguarded and implemented. The
NPA, in fact, is a commitment of the government
towards the betterment of its children over
a period of one decade. Yet, little has changed
in the lives of children, who constitute 50%
of the total population of Pakistan.
In addition to many other shortfalls in the
implementation of the NPA, it also suffers from
the eternal problem of shortage of funds, or
in this case, allocation of funds. Given all
these shortcomings, the government has no planned
strategy to address issues relating to the protection
and promotion of child rights.
The aims of NCP and NPA are put children first;
fight poverty: investment in children; leave
no child behind; care for every child; educate
every child; protect children from harm, exploitation
and war; combat HIV and AIDS; listen to children
and ensure their participation; and protect
the earth for children.
Pakistan is among the first 20 countries to
sign and ratify the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child and also played a
key role in the World Summit for Children 1990.
But unfortunately, from 1990 to date, the state
has failed to bring its national policies and
laws in accordance with the international instruments.
