KARACHI, Nov 20: Health experts at a seminar, organized on Saturday to commemorate the World Children Day, sought joint efforts on part of society for social, psychological, mental and physical well being of all local children.

The seminar, organized at the National Institute of Child Health, was addressed by NICH Director Dr Afroze Ramzan, Dr Iftikhar Jan, Dr Khalid Mahmood and Dr Fariduddin.

Addressing the seminar, health care providers were unanimous in their submission for implementation of Child Rights Convention to which Pakistan is also a signatory along with a large number of other countries. It was, however, regretted that a large majority of more than 50 per cent of local population comprising children was yet to enjoy the rights set forth in the Declaration of Child Rights, proclaimed by General Assembly of the United Nations.

According to the very declaration, the speakers reminded that each and every child was entitled to opportunities and facilities by law and other means that could enable them to develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and socially in a healthy and social manner.

It was further mentioned that each child was also guaranteed to be provided with adequate pre-natal and post-natal care. But, they observed that the local society had largely failed to realize its responsibilities towards the coming generations well, which was reflected through high incidence of infant mortality and equally significant morbidity rates among under five children.

The speakers particularly referred to the basic right of their protection from practices which may foster racial, religious and any other form of discrimination.

Rampant poverty as well as ignorance were cited to have exposed children based in developing world including Pakistan to severe situation manifested through growing number of child laborers and street children besides fast rising incidence of physical, emotional and sexual abuse of all kids pertaining to all socio-economic strata of the society. -APP