Strategy to end violence against children unveiled

Islamabad, Pakistan - The government of Pakistan has unveiled its inaugural national strategy to eradicate violence against children, spanning from 2026 to 2031. The National Strategy to End Violence Against Children was initiated by Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Saba Sadiq, during a nationwide preparatory consultation for the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, set to take place in Manila in November.

This strategy was formulated by the Ministry of Human Rights in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The grim reality of widespread violence against children in Pakistan forms the foundation for this strategy. According to the strategy, approximately eight out of ten children in the country suffer from violent discipline while one in every 16 internet-using teens aged 12 to 17 faces technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse. Additionally, the strategy points out that as many as 841,402 children aged between 10 and 17 have been married, and millions continue to engage in child labor.

The strategy also sheds light on the vulnerabilities of children who are displaced, migrants, or reside in impoverished urban settlements. It aims to tackle a spectrum of violent acts including physical and sexual abuse, psychological violence, neglect, child marriage, trafficking, child labor, and technology-facilitated exploitation.

This framework, grounded in the internationally recognized INSPIRE approach, emphasizes strengthening legal measures, creating safer environments, providing parental and caregiver support, ensuring financial stability, offering response services, and imparting life skills to children.