There are twelve basic rights of children, including that every child has the right to be born and of a wholesome family life. Every individual child has the right to basic needs like they must be raised well and become contributing members of the society. Parents, guardians and all adults should be vigilant in protecting and advocating for the rights of their children. Very sadly, Pakistan has due violence for little spirits whose directions ought to be changed in one or the other way.
Children make 48% of total population. Unfortunately, it is to highlight that they are deprived from their basic rights. When they need books and pens to shine, they are carried with bullets and robbed money. It is the due responsibility of State to provide safety guards and free education to the children.
A time when they need to play with children of their ages, very badly, they are disputed with men of their fathers’ ages; when they are to bow down in front of books, they are found adversaries, taking drugs and encountering on streets and footpaths. Many other children are trafficked and forcefully joined in gangs where they are trained to beg and steal money and other belongings.
The futures of these kids matter – they really do matter – since, they are the future of this nation. They are the seeds whose germination depends on us. A negative nurturing lets them grow weeds but rich nurturing lets them grow to magnificent trees whose not only shelter but also fruits can bring enormous differences along with the surviving air for us.
Children of very little ages are seen carrying huge luggages, working in garages, serving in restaurants, cleaning rooms and etcetera. Their beings are underestimated. Article 25-A of Pakistani constitution ensures their free and compulsory education, but still we have 22 million children out of schools.
Children of this land strive to get three times of food and feed their family members. They suffer everyday. A single day does not pass happily for them. They need to strive hard. Thriving in days of hunger, long sleepless nights, and huge burdens on their back make them suffer harder in this part of the world.
Pakistan has over 80 million children and hence is suffering to fulfill their needs. Children in the country are vulnerable to several development challenges impacting on their safeguards including, quality education, prevention of sexual exploitation of children, child trafficking, child labour and child marriages. On the other hand, 24% of entire Pakistani population lives below the poverty line, which mainly affects rural areas and their children in securing their basic rights.
Currently, the state of the global markets is exacerbating an already very difficult economic reality. So, the rest of the children, who live in rural areas, are usually deprived of various resources such as clean water and food, education and health services.
On November 12, 1990, Pakistan enacted the “convention on the rights of the children”, making a reservation on translating its terms following the principles of Islamic laws and rules; a significant achievement concerning children’s rights. However, just after seven years, in 1997, Pakistan decided to withdraw its reservation. In 2009, the “Committee on the rights of the children” welcomed Pakistan’s pledge to increase the allocation of resources for children. The committee, however, had expressed concerns over notably low budget allotments for children which undermined Pakistan’s initial prospect.
Moreover, the Committee asked Pakistan to initiate budget tracking from a child’s right perspective. After this, children’s rights became a subject that was more concerned upon. Although steps have been taken to improve the conditions of children, multifold rights and acts have to be approached in this country. Given the percentage of children and the growing number of births in Pakistan each year, it is imperative that the rights of these newborns and other children are duly protected and kept safe.
