DESPITE censure from the rulers and society, and measures such as helplines and edicts to protect the young from all forms of abuse, the state of child safety in Pakistan remains deplorable. On the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, the state must accept that crimes against children have become endemic in the country because criminal justice system reforms were delayed and the dismal conviction rate was disregarded. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focuses on “the dignity of children and their right to live free from violence” by enforcing the goals of ensuring freedom from every form of cruelty against children, including trafficking, torture, under-age and forced marriages and female genital mutilation. While globally millions of children endure violence, sexual abuse and trauma, Sahil’s Six Months Cruel Numbers data was particularly startling: 1,630 cases of child abuse were reported from across Pakistan. The first half of 2024 threw up 862 cases of child sexual abuse, 668 abductions, 82 missing children and 18 child marriages with 48 incidents of pornography after sexual abuse. Last year, over 4,200 children experienced sexual abuse. Most cases go unreported.

Beyond statistics, the degree of protection for the young is a vital gauge of a society’s health as the cycle of abuse, silence and neglect threatens collective well-being, development and stability for generations to come. The socioeconomic toll of exploitation is ruinous; it destroys children’s physical and mental health and their academic prospects. Remedial processes entail greater focus on education and awareness, but are ineffective without protection and counselling for victims and families. Meanwhile, an insensitive police force and environment compels survivors and their kin to stay silent. Besides, statutes are lifeless until lawmakers realise that offenders must be punished. Failing children puts our future at stake.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2024