Islamabad
Group Development Pakistan (GDP) hosted a high-level event, Promoting and Protecting Child Rights through Improved Legal Literacy and Education in Pakistan, at the Best Western Premier, Islamabad.
The initiative is a crucial part of a wider “Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan” program, and was launched in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), with support from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to enhance legal education and strengthen protections for child rights defenders.
The event featured key discussions on child rights, legal frameworks, and international cooperation, with distinguished speakers including Honorable Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Chairperson NCHR Mrs. Rabiya Javeri Agha, and H.E. Mr. Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to Pakistan.
Ms. Sameen Sheikh, GDP’s CEO, presented the objectives, components, and expected outcomes of the initiative. “In Pakistan, child rights violations, including issues related to child abuse and exploitation, remain a significant challenge.
This project represents a critical step towards addressing these issues by empowering child rights defenders and enhancing legal protections for those advocating on behalf of children’s rights.”
“This initiative, supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in collaboration with the National Commission on Human Rights, aims to better protect child rights and improve legal literacy to prevent and redress child rights violations.
Two international experts on child rights and Justice For Children, explained what the Reimagine Justice For Children global agenda entailed.
Valerie Khan Yusufzai, CEO Great Dreams Consulting stated: “The global agenda for reimagining justice for children includes six core priorities: ensuring every child knows and can claim their rights; providing every child access to free legal aid, representation, and services; enabling diversion for every child in conflict with the law; protecting every child from detention; ensuring every child survivor of sexual violence, abuse, or exploitation receives justice; and allowing every child access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and child-friendly courts.”.
A video extract of Mr Cedric Foussard’s intervention, who is the Coordinator of the Global Initiative on Justice For Children, was screened, highlighting the following message: “Our commitment extends to creating environments where every child can access the justice they deserve.
This includes specialized services that cater to the unique needs of children, ensuring that justice is not only served but is understood and accessible by those who need it most”.
The Chairperson NCHR, Ms Rabiya Javeri Agha, gave a comprehensive perspective on the Commission’s role in safeguarding children’s rights and protecting their advocates.
“This project, ‘Promoting and Protecting Child Rights through Improved Legal Literacy and Education in Pakistan,’ is a vital step in strengthening Justice for Children in Pakistan and protecting children’s rights.
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is committed to ensuring that every child, whether a victim or witness of a crime, or in conflict with the law, is treated with the utmost care and justice, as mandated by our role.”
“NCHR recognizes the challenges faced by lawyers, NGOs, journalists, and police officers who defend child rights, often at great personal risk. We work diligently to ensure their access to protection and legal recourse, thereby enhancing accountability and promoting justice.”
Honorable Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, also graced the event and emphasized the legal frameworks and protection measures and processes that ought to be available for children, and reminded the public that “Courts must approach cases involving children with a dedicated child justice approach, rooted in a legal and moral obligation to protect, nurture, and rehabilitate children, ensuring their rights and well-being within the justice system.”
Honorable Justice also added: “The Constitution of Pakistan, combined with its international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscores a robust framework for prioritizing the well-being, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children into society.”, “A child-centered approach in the judiciary is essential because it acknowledges that children are still in their formative years and particularly vulnerable to the psychological and emotional impacts of legal proceedings.”
Finally, in his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan declared: “France is ready to support child rights and those who defend them in Pakistan. Our partnership in this project underscores our commitment to stand with Pakistan in its crucial efforts to safeguard the rights of its youngest citizens.
By aligning our resources and expertise, we aim to empower those on the front lines of child rights defense and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”, “GDP has chosen not what is easy but what is right.
This ethos is at the heart of our mission as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing children in Pakistan today.
Our approach goes beyond short-term solutions, focusing instead on sustainable, long-term strategies that uphold the dignity and rights of every child. It is not merely a matter of policy but of moral responsibility to ensure that our actions reflect our commitment to justice and equality for all children.”
The French ambassador concluded with the following statement: “Together, with steadfast partners like France and through the unwavering efforts of organizations like GDP, we are not just responding to challenges but actively shaping a future where the rights of children are not an afterthought but a priority.
This collaboration exemplifies a shared vision that crosses borders and cultures—a vision where every child’s rights are defended, respected, and promoted, establishing a foundation for a just and equitable society.”
A key highlight of the event was the Wall of Pledges, where stakeholders signed and committed to “Uphold justice for children in Pakistan by protecting their rights, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and creating a safer, more inclusive society where every child can thrive”.
The program concluded over high tea and exchanges between technical experts, diplomats, Rtd justice system actors, lawmakers, government representatives, children and youth.
