MARDAN, Nov 12: The Society for Protection of Rights of the Child organised a workshop for district government representatives on child’s rights.

The organisation’s regional manager Jehanzeb Khan briefed the participants on the state of child’s rights in the country and the role of elected representatives in the enforcement of children-related laws.

The workshop was held in collaboration with Unicef’s Peshawar chapter.

Mr Khan urged the district government to play its role in enforcement of the Employment of Children Act, 1991, Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1992, NWFP Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1996, and the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000.

Jehanzeb Khan stressed the need for increasing the number of probation officers and appointing woman probation officers and labour inspectors in the district to check the number of juvenile prisoners and child labour.

He said the workshop was the first step towards involvement of the district government in promoting child’s rights.

Mr Khan said child labour in brick kilns was on the rise and there were 10 to 30 children working in every brick kiln in Mardan.

He said the district government and non-governmental organisations should start coordination to create an enabling environment for children to improve their lot.