ISLAMABAD: Children associated with the Child Rights Movement (CRM) Pakistan addressed a press conference on Friday, in which they demanded the allocation of resources for the promotion and protection of child rights.

Speaking at the National Press Club, the children demanded the federal and provincial governments increase resource allocations to improve the status of child rights in the country.

Shumayl Farooq, 16, highlighted the importance of increased budgetary allocations for child rights. She also said that a system and mechanisms need to be devised to bring children’s voices and views into the decision making process under the guidance of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

A child-friendly budget also gives information on health, education, protection, justice and social welfare and indicates to examine and assess reprioritisation of government expenditure towards service delivery to children, she said.

All children in the world have special rights and they need their rights to be protected in all respects without any prejudice in any way, said 14-year-old Imran Ghulam Fareed.

He said this is necessary to ensure their well-being, successful development and rights. In addition to parents, governments and state institutions have a duty to create child-friendly environment and promote children’s rights.

Iram Iqbal, 14, told the press that Pakistan ratified the UNCRC on Nov 12, 1990, and successive governments have renewed their commitments to creating a friendly environment for all Pakistani children.

Unfortunately, she said, huge challenges remain in the country. There are laws regarding child education, health, nutrition, juvenile justice, violence, neglect, labour and marriage, but these laws are not being implemented fully.

Tahir Ghani, 16, said social protection is a child’s basic human right, enshrined in the UNCRC. Based on the convention, children have the right to social security and an adequate standard of living, both of which can be guaranteed for children and families who live in poverty through publicly-funded social protection.

Ruaim Abbas, 13, and Zara Siddique, 13, said each child has a fundamental entitlement to a process of development that recognises and enables their agency, their own affairs, circumstances and aspirations.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2019