ISLAMABAD: Proposed amendments to the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) Act, 2017 will fix shortcomings of the original statute and make the NCRC an independent human rights institution as enshrined in the Paris Principles. The presence of a well-defined mandate is integral for effective functioning of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

This was pointed out by speakers during a consultative meeting convened by the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) to discuss the proposed amendments to the Act, 2017.

The meeting was presided over by Jawadullah, who is the acting chairperson of NCRC. Other participants included chief of child protection section of Unicef Daniela Luciani, child protection specialist (Unicef) Farah Ilyas, legal experts and representatives from civil society including Child Rights Movement (CRM).

Jawadullah shared objectives of the consultation where the amendments were being proposed in the NCRC Act, 2017 to fix the shortcomings of the original statute, ensure adequate representation of all provinces in its constitution and empower it for advancing the cause for which the NCRC was established.

Attaul Mustafa, who is a legal advisor explained the theory and practice of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Pakistan.

Furthermore, Ms Luciani acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the NCRC for the protection, promotion and advancement of child rights. She further stressed that presence of a coherent legislation, governing the mandate of NCRC, was imperative for effective functioning of the commission.

Legal experts Tayyab Ali Awan and Laiba Qayyum, proposed the NCRC (Second Amendment) Bill 2022, for discussion before relevant stakeholders from the civil society. The rationale behind the proposed amendments was to strengthen the mandate of the commission, stipulate a coherent process of appointment and removal of members, and allocate a seat for Gilgit-Baltistan in the commission to ensure its adequate representation.

Additionally, the extension of suo-moto powers to the commission were also discussed to effectively curtail the violation of child rights. Dr Rubina Fareed said that before finalisation of the Amendment Bill, she would take government stakeholders on board and incorporate recommendations.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2022