Children’s Rights: The Future We Cannot Afford to Ignore
By Dr. Asma Fatima Makhdoom
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” — Nelson Mandela
READERS might be made uncomfortable to learn that Pakistan has over 87 million children, almost 40pc of the population, but their rights are among the least guaranteed. Whether it is education, health, safety against abuse, or the right to play, Pakistan’s children usually face systematic disregard that undermines not just their childhood but also the future of the nation.
UNICEF reports that almost 23 million children in Pakistan are not attending school — the second-highest number in the world. Nearly 40pc of children under age five are malnourished and suffer from stunted growth and diminished learning capacity. Child labor is endemic, with some 3.3 million children working in hazardous conditions that often deny them dignity and hope.
Why Are Children’s Rights Ignored?
The reasons are numerous. Poverty is the most glaring driver, compelling children to be put into the workforce rather than school. However, poverty is not the sole problem. Ineffective implementation of current child protection legislation, loopholes in social security nets, and cultural acceptance of practices such as early marriage exacerbate the situation.
Health is another underserved sector. Rural Pakistani children suffer from preventable conditions like pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles as a result of not having access to vaccines and minimum facilities. The pandemic of Covid-19 also saw immunization and education stumble, losing many years of gains.
A Global and Local Responsibility
Globally, Pakistan is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), but translating these into action continues to remain a challenge. Nations with better child protection systems have demonstrated that change is achievable through political will and investment. For instance, Brazil’s Bolsa Família program tied economic assistance to poor families with school attendance and vaccinations, and child outcomes improved substantially.
The Way Forward
It is heartening that Pakistan has initiated like the Child Protection Bureau in Punjab and Sindh, and a law prohibiting child marriage. But it will not be sufficient with piecemeal attempts. Needed is a holistic child rights framework that combines education, health, nutrition, and protection services at the grassroots level.
Community-based initiatives — like school feeding programs, outreach by health workers, and vocational training — can help eradicate the cycle of poverty while enhancing resilience. Equally critical is creating awareness among communities and parents so that the protection of children is not merely the government’s concern but a community aspiration.
Conclusion
Every child represents untapped potential — an inventor, a teacher, a leader waiting to be nurtured. When children are denied their rights, it is not just their childhood that is stolen; it is Pakistan’s collective future. As Mandela’s words remind us, the treatment of our children is the truest mirror of our society. It is time to act boldly, ensuring that every child in Pakistan has the right not only to survive but to thrive.
