December 22, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 23, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 21: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the national child protection policy, prepared in close consultation with all stakeholders including relevant ministries and provincial governments, will be notified soon.

In his message on the occasion of the “Ninth paediatric conference on child rights, abuse and neglect”, he said that necessary legislation in this regard would be made at the earliest through introduction of the “Child Protection Bill, 2008” in parliament.

Mr Gilani said that a “national plan of action for children” had also been prepared in consultation with all stakeholders and was being implemented in collaboration with the relevant partners.

He said that the government had ratified the UN convention on rights of the child (UNCRC) in 1990 and was committed to implementing its provisions in letter and spirit. “The government is conscious of the situation of children in the country and trying its best to provide optimum care and protection to the children,” he added.

The prime minister hoped that holding of such conferences by civil society organisations would greatly help in creating awareness among the general masses for eradication of child abuse from our society. “I am sure that this conference will also encourage other people to come forward and contribute effectively for creating a congenial atmosphere where children can live a healthy, prosperous and joyful life,” he said.—APP