November 05, 2007	Monday	Shawwal 23, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (Unicef) has established 120 child-friendly spaces for protection of children in earthquake affected districts of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

These protection centres have been established under the Child and Adolescents Programme which aims at empowerment of families and children with information, knowledge and life skills for their healthy and productive life.

“The programme focuses on development of a community based mechanism for the protection of children from violence abuse and exploitation,” an official of the Fund told APP.

She said more than 12,000 children had so far attended these spaces during this year and benefited from awareness raising sessions with parents on child rights.

They were also provided life skills education and psychosocial support at the centres in various districts.

“In total 40 children councils and 57 child protection committees were established in Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Neelam,” she said, adding that around 3,355 vulnerable families living in camps received school kits and uniforms for their children in these areas this year.

Under the programme, situational analysis on child protection was conducted in nine union councils and three camps of Muzaffarabad and Bagh. Several advocacy and communication tools on child protection issues were developed.

“Unicef is also working to strengthen the social welfare department of the AJK to monitor children situation and provide protection, recovery and rehabilitation to effected children,” the official added.

—APP