ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday directed the provincial governments to put in place the requisite policy and operational framework, and take urgent steps for implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
The provincial governments should take steps within their respective jurisdictions to ensure provision of a much safer environment to children and prevent a recurrence of Kasur like incidents in future.
The chief secretaries of all the provinces have been directed to ensure implementation of these recommendations, a press release issued by the PM Office here said.
The National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan has undertaken a detailed analysis of incidents of child abuse and exploitation, in the wake of Kasur incident, to address the issue of child rights and protection.
The Commission recommends that: Child Protection Systems shall be reviewed and reformed in compliance with the provisions of the UN Conventions on the Rights of the child; Budgetary provisions shall be increased and appropriate administrative actions must be taken for child protection and assistance; Provincial governments should take all necessary steps to adopt and implement a Plan of Action for Children and devise a Child Protection Policy at provincial and district levels; Provincial governments should promote public awareness about child rights and child protection issues in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders; Law enforcing agencies, prosecution, judiciary, lawyers and social welfare departments shall be sensitized on the issue at provincial and district levels; Provincial governments shall review their respective police laws to make appropriate changes as required; Well trained and experienced prosecutors shall be appointed at the districts and provincial level and progress on legal proceedings related to child rights, shall be constantly monitored.
