Vigorous efforts to protect rights of children stressed

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar has stressed the need for making vigorous efforts at every level to protect the rights of children and ensure their welfare and said, "consistent struggle with utmost political will and commitment is required for achievement of this cherished objective".

He was addressing as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the one day conference on "The State of Child Rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA", held under the auspices of Society for Protection of the Rights of the Child; a non-government organisation in Peshawar on Thursday.

Barrister Masood Kausar said, "though things are not so much bad yet, there is a need to promote awareness and efficient co-ordinate and to make this possible. "at-least quarterly meetings will be arranged at Governor's House". "I have the political will to carry forward our efforts and a beginning has already been made by introducing reforms, as far as FATA is concerned", he said.

The Governor also mentioned the losses caused to educational and health institutions because of the problems of terrorism and militancy both in the province and FATA and said, "indeed, it were the children who have been suffered worst and with this fact in mind serious steps are under way for promotion of educational and health care facilities.

He also appreciated the services being rendered by SPARC and assured to ensure meaningful coordination between the respective government departments and the civil society towards efficient implementation of laws and policies meant for protection of the rights of children and their welfare.

Earlier, Arshad Mahmood, Executive Director of SPARC briefed the Governor about working of the organization as well as the prevailing situation with regard to protection of the rights of children and welfare and the measures underway to make this possible. He suggested certain measures in this connection as well.

Appreciating the provincial government for its efforts for protection of the rights of children and their welfare, he said that it has taken lead by introducing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act - 2010 in the entire country, which also is the first law of its kind in the province. Provincial minister for Social Welfare and Women Development Mrs. Sitara Ayaz and the Country Director of Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation, Andre Huber also addressed the ceremony which amongst a number of government officials and representative of civil society was also attended by the valorous young girl from Swat Malala Yousafzai who has been honoured with the National Peace Award by the government.