ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: A civil society organisation has emphasised maximum community participation in efforts to protect the rights of children without families in the earthquake devastated areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

In a report, Save the Children Alliance says lack of economic opportunities often forces families to put their children in labour. This risk increases in case of emergencies. By linking child protection initiatives with livelihood support, children can be prevented from entering harmful child labour.

“In emergency situations, children are the most vulnerable with their rights at the risk of being violated, neglected or abused.”

The report highlights problems being faced or are likely to be faced by children, especially those rendered parentsless by the quake.

Child trafficking, sexual abuse, harmful child labour, early marriages, discrimination on the basis of gender, age and ethnicity, lack of access to education and health as well as psychological stress are experienced as common issues in such situations.

Child protection could only succeed and become sustainable if those are community-driven. Community has the potential, resources and willingness to address these issues. Children together with community can play a positive role in addressing these issues provided trust is expressed in their strength and resourcefulness.

Once people are given an opportunity they see themselves as a resource and are motivated to take further action. This approach leads to nondependency and suitability of response, hence child protection issues can be addressed on a long-term basis.

The earthquake and huge devastation it caused to life and infrastructure had a traumatic effect on children. The communities identified symptoms of psychological problems to children like sleeplessness, nightmares, bed-wetting, phobia and introvert postures, etc.