THIS is with reference to the Street Child World Cup 2014, organised at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This time Pakistan was also among the 19 participating countries with the tireless support of the Azad Foundation, Save the Children and other donor organisations.

Our excited children proved their talent and won the bronze medal after defeating India, Kenya, Mauritius and the Philippines. The team won bronze after defeating the United States in semifinals.

The participation of children living and/or working on the streets in this tournament was more than a game. This opportunity, no doubt, has contributed to increase their self-confidence as they represented their country at an international level.

There are an estimated 1.5 million children working and/or living on streets in Pakistan who are deprived of basic human rights. The significance of the event was actually to generate the interest of relevant stakeholders about the conditions of these children on the streets.

These children have contributed their best to make the country proud. Now, there is a call for relevant government department to ensure the protection and opportunities for children living on streets that all children are entitled to.

Amina Sarwar
Islamabad