KARACHI, Jan 30: Speakers at a seminar on child rights called for passing the relevant bills pending before the National Assembly into law and do more legislation to safeguard children from violence, abuse, neglect and bonded labour.

They discussed ways to protect children from all sorts of exploitation at the seminar on “Social changes through child participation” organised by the Society for International Education in collaboration with Unicef and the Sindh government’s social welfare department here on Saturday.

Sharmila Farooqui, Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister, called for adopting the ‘child rights bill’ pending before the National Assembly, saying that it could serve the purpose of protecting child rights.

She stressed that corporal punishment to children at educational institutions and other places must be declared a criminal offence as this was bound to cause psychological disorders to a victim. She said orientation and training sessions for parents and teachers should be held in an organised manner to ensure their amiable behavior towards children.

Ms Farooqui also emphasised the need for curbing discrimination against children at the domestic level which was a cause of frustration among them. Children must be given the freedom of expression at home and educational institutions, she said.

The adviser observed that child abuse in the country was assuming an alarming proportion and the situation was getting worse. “It is our foremost duty to take practical measures to bring a halt to the trend,” she said.

Earlier, participating in a panel discussion, teachers, students and youths presented their views on the factors leading to psychological disorders among children. They condemned physical abuse, psychological and emotional exploitation and neglect, saying they are some of the major causes of the psychological disorders among most children. In this regard, they held parents and teachers of the affected children mainly responsible, saying that in most cases they would try to impose their decisions on the children in a crude manner.

They said an amiable and polite behaviour was the best way to make children comply with their decisions instead of forcing them or even applying corporal punishment to obey.

The seminar participants recommended formulation of a policy for child rights, and said the policy should be based on respect to child rights by everyone in society and promotion of understanding between children and adults. They also called for effective implementation of the policy.

The seminar unanimously called for a ‘children council’ to be set up under the guidance and facilitation of the provincial social welfare department and the relevant government institutions and non-governmental organisations.

They said the council should have its office and be empowered to evolve draft policies and strategies for the protection of child rights.

Unicef and SIE representatives also spoke at the seminar.

Later, Ms Farooqui gave away awards and certificates to selected children for their commendable achievements and performance.—PPI
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