PESHAWAR, Dec 20: Lawyers must actively promote and protect children’s rights, participants of a consultation held in Swat said.

A press release, issued here said the consultation on juvenile justice in the Provincially-Administered Tribal Areas was organized by the Juvenile Justice Network, NWFP, and the Child Rights Committee of Society for the Protection of the Rights of Child.

Shaukat Saleem Advocate briefed participants about the state of child rights in Swat. JJN Coordinator Arshad Mahmood said the NWFP governor had assured him regarding extension of the Juvenile Justice System Ordnance 2000 over PATA areas.

Mr Mahmood asked the district Bar should increase their involvement in this regard.

SPARC’s National Coordinator Anees Jillani briefed participants about the salient features of JJSO, saying that the lawyers’ community should play its role in the promotion and protection of child rights.

He also called for creation of public awareness in this regard.

Lack of interest in making primary education compulsory and rapid increase in child Labour were main factors behind the rise in the number of children in jails, said Mr Jillani.

“A Political will is needed on the part of decision makers to work for increase in educational budget and making primary education compulsory” he added.

Mr Jillani demanded that all children related laws including JJSO should be extended to PATA with out any further delay.