SUKKUR: Participants of a training programme for district judges highlighted the need to take steps for protection and welfare of children in Sindh particularly.

The one-day event was organised by the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in collaboration with the Sindh Judicial Academy for judges on child protection laws, with members of the district judiciary. It was aimed at enhancing the capacity of the district judiciary in ensuring the protection and welfare of children at the district level in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, SHRC chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho focused on key legal frameworks related to child rights, child protection and gender-based violence (GBV).

Mr Detho covered a variety of significant legal provisions of laws, including the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 & Rules 2016, the Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act 2017, Sindh Bonded Labour System Abolition Act 2015 and activation of the district vigilance committees and the Sindh Children Act 1955.

He also highlighted the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act 2011 and its 2021’s amendment. He highlighted the critical role of judiciary in safeguarding children rights and improving their welfare.

Barrister Rida Tahir delivered a detailed session on the functioning and importance of child courts, emphasising the need for specialised courts to address the unique requirements of child victims, including GBV courts.

Mr Naveed Ahmed Soomro, a district & sessions judge and faculty member of the Sindh Judicial Academy, also provided insights into the legal framework for addressing the issues of child victims under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018.

He emphasised the importance of judicial awareness in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation of children.

Focusing the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, Barrister Aashir Masood Mahar highlighted the role of police, judiciary and prosecution in ensuring that children are not illegally confined in prisons.

Mr Ameer Ahmed Mahesar, a district & sessions judge Sukkur, was the chief guest for the certificate distribution ceremony of the training programme.

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the role of district criminal justice coordination committees and district legal empowerment committees for provision of legal aid and resolving the issues of human rights protection at the district level.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2025