ISLAMABAD: Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari chaired the first meeting of the Child Protection Advisory Board on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Child Protection Act 2018.

MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Human Rights Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Amir Zulfiqar Khan, Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz, Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat and National Commissioner on the Status of Women Secretary Humera Azam Khan were among those present.

Ms Agha told board members about the measures taken to implement the Child Protection Act. She gave a detailed briefing on progress on establishing the Child Protection Institute, and the meeting also discussed ways to raise awareness to prevent child abuse and begging.

Dr Mazari said efforts are being made to ensure that the rights of every citizen including children are protected.

She emphasised the need to raise awareness to prevent child abuse and said parents and teachers should realise their responsibility to teach and guide children and students about preventive measures.

She said that in addition to legislation and implementation, awareness is important to fight such an issue, and an awareness campaign in this regard has already begun.

It was decided at the meeting that a subcommittee would be constituted to devise long and short term strategies for child protection at the ICT level. It would also monitor the performance of the Child Protection Institute and implementation of the care plan.

According to a statement, the human rights ministry in coordination with elected representatives from the capital will enhance the awareness programme with children and parents in their constituencies.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2019