PESHAWAR, Nov 28: Children at a function here on Wednesday expressed concern over denial of their rights and said they should be provided education, health, safety from abuses and freedom of expression so that they could raise their voice for peace and security.

The views were expressed by working children in a speech competition on “Impact of prevalent adverse situation on children” organised by a local non-government organisation in connection with the Universal Children’s Day.

A national songs competition was also held in which children from Mashal centres of the Human Resources Management and Development Centre participated. Social Welfare and Women Development Department Director Fakharul Islam said children didn’t have the opportunity to express themselves. She urged parents to pay heed to the basic rights of children.

NWFP Schools and Literacy Department Planning Officer Ziaullah Khan stressed the need for women’s education and said development was not possible without quality education, which depended upon the teachers.

Bushra Gohar of the HRMDC said concerted efforts by the government, the community, parents and the civil society were needed to reverse the current trends in the social sector. She regretted a growing number of children left the schools for petty jobs to support their families.

She urged the community, parents and the civil society to raise voice against dictatorship, saying that it had endangered security and peace.