AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a strategy to implement the National Plan of Action for Children in the light of devolution following the 18th Amendment, suggesting also the setting up of a Commission for the Protection of the Rights of Children and involving the private sector in promoting the child rights agenda in the country. This the President said in a message on the Universal Children Day being observed on Sunday (November 20).Following is the text of the President’s message:-
Pakistan today joins the International community in celebrating the Universal Children’s Day on 20th November, 2011.
The observance of the Children’s Day today should serve to remind us of our obligation to the children as ordained in the injunctions of our religion and also in the Constitution.
It should also serve as a reminder to plan a strategy for implementing the National Plan of Action for Children focusing on child education, health and protection particularly in the light of devolution following the Eighteenth Amendment.
Pakistan had the distinction of being one of the six-initiator countries of the World Summit for Children 1990. As a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Pakistan has been in the forefront to advocate the Child Rights agenda.
There are several issues involved in the rights of children. On this occasion therefore I call upon the government to consider setting up a Commission for the Protection of the Rights of the Children.
The governments at all levels may also consider adopting public private partnership in pursuing the child rights agenda for substantial reforms.
I appreciate the UN Agencies, the NGOs and volunteers for highlighting the child related issues and supplementing official efforts to create a conducive environment for the children. I wish them success in pursuing this important mission
For more information, contact:
Farhatullah Babar
Spokesperson to the President
Tell: +9251 920 4530 and +9251 920 4974
Email: farhat.babar@president.gov.pk