"We are reactionary. The concern for #ClimateChange was always there, but it became more evident post 2022 floods.
There's a crucial need for Learning & Development in this era to ensure that the projects yield fruitful results in the face of shifting weather patterns."
Water week concludes with the commitment to embrace sustainable practices for improved water management. 🚰💦
CD @AsifSherazi17 distributed prizes among the winners of nationwide competitions and appreciated children's interest, knowledge and awarness about the issue.
MP for Manchester Gorton, @Afzal4Gorton visits Dadu, Sindh to witness resilience and rebuilding!
Watch what Khan has to say on Islamic Relief’s effort to restore and rebuild lives after the devastating floods with the support of the people of 🇬🇧
@IslamicReliefUK@ukinpakistan
Glipmses from today's certificate and grants distribution ceremony of vocational trainees of batch-III in collaboration with Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) under the Protection of Children at Risk (POCAR-II).
@Afshan_Jamal@IslamicReliefDE@IslamicReliefPK
MoU Between NDRMF and Islamic Relief Pakistan
Understandings as per MoU includes:
1. Collaboration under Awareness, Advocacy and Outreach
2. Developing innovative ideas under Climate Resilience, DRR and related fields
3. Knowledge creation
@PlanComPakistan#optimisingimpact
Welcome to Pakistan @JaneMarriottUK , it was a pleasure to attend your welcome reception. We @IslamicReliefPK & International & National civil society are looking forward a much needed role of @ukinpakistan to deal with the poly-crisis of Climate change in Pakistan.
Upholding child rights is at the heart of IR's work. National Dialogue on Child Protection concludes at commitments from our partners & supporters to carry forward the agenda of protecting children at risk and creating a safer tomorrow for them through joint efforts. 🤝
@IslamicReliefPK
Media can play a crucial role in child protection in society. Some ways in which media can contribute to child protection include:
1. Raising awareness: Media can raise awareness about child protection issues through news reports, documentaries, feature articles, and social media campaigns. By highlighting cases of child abuse, exploitation, neglect, and other forms of harm, media can help to educate the public and bring attention to the need for stronger child protection measures.
2. Advocacy: Media can advocate for the rights and well-being of children by promoting policy changes, calling for stronger laws and regulations, and urging authorities to take action in cases of child abuse or neglect. Through editorials, opinion pieces, and investigative journalism, media can emphasize the importance of child protection and hold those responsible accountable.
3. Education and information: Media can provide information and resources to parents, caregivers, and children themselves on topics such as child safety, healthy child development, positive parenting techniques, and available support services. By disseminating accurate and helpful information, media can empower individuals and communities to better protect children.
4. Promoting positive portrayals of children: Media can contribute to child protection by portraying children in a respectful and positive manner. By avoiding harmful stereotypes, exploitation, and the sexualization of children, media can help promote a culture of respect, empathy, and care for children.
5. Collaboration and partnerships: Media organizations can collaborate with child protection agencies, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies to share information, resources, and expertise. By working together, media and child protection organizations can amplify their impact and reach larger audiences.
It is important for media to handle these issues responsibly and ethically, respecting the privacy and dignity of children involved in sensitive cases. This includes obtaining proper consent, protecting the identities of child victims, and avoiding sensationalism or unnecessary harm in reporting. Out of the many interesting questions highlighted at the seminar, the consistent complaint was the lack of empathy on national TV about this issue.
It is indeed our collective responsibility to look after our children.
"Why a child the same age as your own child, serving you and your child?"
IG, @akbernasirkhan - @ICT_Police emphasized on raising awareness around domestic child labour in our society.
In Pakistan, child protection is a pressing issue with various challenges. Here are some key aspects of the child protection status and challenges in Pakistan which I have compiled after attending the seminar by @IslamicReliefPK
1. Child abuse: Child abuse is prevalent in Pakistan, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Many cases go unreported due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and fear of retaliation. However, there is evidence that number of reported creases is increasing albeit slowly which means a growing trust is visible in trends.
2. Child labor: Child labor is a significant concern in Pakistan, with millions of children engaged in hazardous and exploitative work. They are deprived of education, subjected to health risks, and face a cycle of poverty. We pass by these children everyday. They are our collective responsibility.
3. Child marriage: Child marriage remains a problem, especially in rural areas, where girls are married off at a young age, negatively impacting their physical and mental health, education, and overall well-being. I recently started watching a drama “Mahi re” on a tv channel where they have dextrously picked up this issue. This drama made me research the topic and I found out this is a practice very prevalent in villages but not uncommon in urban areas too. Spoke to Dia from Radio Pakistan and she informed of work done by dramas on Radio Pakistan in this regard as well. It’s a social issue.
4. Street children: There is a large population of street children in urban areas, who are exposed to various risks, including violence, exploitation, substance abuse, and lack of access to education and healthcare. While IG Islamabad who was present at the event assured everyone that there is zero policy against mistreating children in Islamabad, there is much more required to be done. My question is why there is a general perception of a nexus including all stake holders in exploitative prevalent practices against children.
5. Juvenile justice system: The juvenile justice system in Pakistan faces numerous challenges, including ineffective implementation, inadequate rehabilitation services, and the need for specialized training for justice officials. @MehnazAkberAziz who was the guest of honour spoke in detail about legislation and shortcomings , she also informed us that there is now a general legislation of treatment of “maids” and “ domestic staff” at homes.
6. Lack of awareness and capacity: Limited awareness about child rights, child protection laws, and available support services contributes to the challenges in addressing child protection. There is also a need to strengthen the capacity of child protection organizations and professionals.
7. Socio-cultural factors: Deep-rooted societal norms, customs, and gender inequalities often act as barriers to effective child protection initiatives. These factors can perpetuate practices harmful to children and hinder efforts to address child protection challenges.
8. Duty of religious scholars : It remains their primary duty to address these issues. To what an extent are they fulfilling it?
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes legislative reforms, increased investment in child protection services, raising awareness, providing support to survivors, strengthening the justice system, and working towards changing societal attitudes and norms. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Pakistan.
"Children should also be protected in cyber space."
@MehnazAkberAziz appreciated the efforts of Islamic Relief to protect the children and the initiates they've taken to empower them.
She also highlighted the need to have laws that are madated to protect them in cyber space.
Introducing our fellow panelists who are going to be a part of a vital conversation on 'Child Protection'. We’re expecting to have an enlightening conversation as we explore ways to ensure a safe & secure future for our children. Together, we can make a difference.