LAHORE: The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee) emphasized the need for stronger implementation, coordination and accountability mechanisms to advance children’s rights in Pakistan.

A briefing session was held in Lahore on the concluding observations issued to Pakistan by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee).

The session was organised at the Shaista Ikramullah Human Rights Education Centre under the Haqooq-e-Pakistan II Project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Pakistan in collaboration with Search for Justice.

Representatives from the government departments, human rights institutions, academia, civil society organisations, and relevant experts participated in the discussion on recommendations issued to Pakistan following its 2026 review by the CRC Committee under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Addressing the session, Search for Justice Executive Director Iftikhar Mubarik provided an overview of the committee’s key observations relating to violence against children, child labour, juvenile justice, mental health, education, online safety, harmful practices, climate vulnerability, and strengthening child protection systems.

Participants noted that although the committee acknowledged several legislative and policy developments, including the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, and the Punjab Child Protection Policy 2025, many concerns continue to recur due to implementation and coordination gaps.

The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening child-friendly reporting systems, referral mechanisms, labour inspections, psychosocial support services, digital safety measures, and coordinated follow-up systems at both federal and provincial levels.

Representatives from Punjab Police, the Punjab Social Protection Authority, Labour & Human Resource Department, Planning & Development Department, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Justice Project Pakistan, and leading universities attended the session.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026