The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international human rights agreement, ratified by almost all the countries of the world, that sets out the guidelines for the rights and protection of children who are at risk. Such children experience different forms of violence in one form or another. Every government that has ratified UNCRC is making efforts to ensure proper legislation for its implementation in order to prevent and respond to all forms of violence and abuse. However, this role is not limited to governments alone, as it is a cross-cutting theme, and also the responsibility of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the community as well.

In South Asia, over half of the world’s children experienced severe violence last year [2015] of whom 64 percent are in South Asia. Violence can be physical, sexual, and emotional and also manifest itself as neglect (UNICEF n.d.).

South Asia is prone to natural and human-made disasters in which the risk of violence increases, among which Pakistan ranks high. At the international and regional level, different forums  have been formed to combat violence against children such as the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC), South Asia Coordinating Group on Action against Violence against Children (SACG), ECPAT International Network (to end the sexual exploitation of children worldwide) and so on.

Pakistan has also taken measures for protection of children at risk and safeguard them from violence by implementing legislation in its provinces. However, more initiatives are required which include political will, coordination among concerned stakeholders, walks and campaigns, along with capacity building/trainings and seminars to raise awareness among the general public to protect marginalised children who are facing violence and are at higher level of risk. This presentation will be based on primary and secondary data from different sources from the local and regional level. 

Reference:

UNICEF n.d. ‘Violence against children’, [Online], United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, <https://www.unicef.org/rosa/what-we-do/child-protection/violence-against-children> [Accessed 31 October 2018].