Millions of Children Still Deprived of Basic Rights: DigiMAP

News Desk

Islamabad: As Pakistan marked Universal Children’s Day on November 20, the Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) highlighted alarming statistics on child labour, sexual abuse, and out-of-school children, calling for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard children’s rights.

In a statement issued on Monday, DigiMAP revealed that approximately 3.3 million children in Pakistan remain trapped in labour, citing data from UNICEF. The organisation also referenced the Sahil Cruel Numbers Report, which documented 2,227 cases of child sexual abuse between January and June 2023—an average of 12 cases per day.

The statement noted that Pakistan is home to the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children, with around 23 million children aged five to sixteen not attending school, according to research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

Universal Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. DigiMAP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights guaranteed under the convention, noting that Pakistan was the first Islamic country to ratify the treaty.

The organisation expressed concern that, despite constitutional and international commitments, children in many parts of the country continue to face serious challenges, including child labour, sexual abuse, early marriages, and low birth registration rates.

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DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed urged digital media journalists to use the occasion to promote awareness about children’s rights and the importance of quality education. He called for stronger advocacy for policies aimed at protecting and nurturing children, and encouraged providing platforms for children to express themselves through creative and artistic activities.

General Secretary Adnan Aamir emphasised the government’s responsibility to safeguard children’s rights. He urged member organisations to highlight violations, hold authorities accountable, and press for timely and strict action. He also called for increased budget allocations to protect and promote child rights nationwide.

Aligning with this year’s theme, “For every child, every right,” DigiMAP stressed the importance of investing in children to secure a more prosperous future for Pakistan. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure every child’s rights are respected and protected.