NA passes unanimous resolution recognizing rights of mother, child

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly of Pakistan on Friday unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the rights of every child born in Pakistan as well as mothers, and resolved that state must ensure provision of the best available early care and safe environment for all the children.

The resolution read out by State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan and prepared by PML-N MNA Mehnaz Akbar was passed while acknowledging the World Children‘s Day celebrated on November 20 and human rights day celebrated on December 10.

It stated the house also recognizes the importance of the first 1000 days of every child’s life, starting from conception, which is a unique period of opportunity for brain development and laying foundations of optimum health and future growth of children.

The House affirmed the right of every new born child to registration and pledged that mechanisms for proper registration for all new born children will be improved across the country.

The house committed to invest time and make efforts for reducing malnutrition in children and mother and combat the menace of stunted growth among children in order to protect the future of Pakistan.

The house resolved to make all efforts to ensure that every child is in school and learning well, safe from all kinds of domestic and external harm and is realizing his/her full potential.

The house recognized the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation for all children and their mothers, citizens of Pakistan, especially women and girls who suffer great indignity.

The house forcefully condemned merciless practices of the sale of children, internal human trafficking, child abuse, child pornography, and prostitution, and recommended strong legislation to curb these inhuman and brutal offenses.