As a member of the Child Advisory Panel and a child myself, Universal Children’s Day means a lot to me. It’s more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the hopes,struggles, and rights of millions of children worldwide.
Celebrated every year on November 20th, this day is about recognizing our voices and ensuring every child can grow up safe,
healthy, and happy.
Universal Children’s Day is connected to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a critical convention adopted by the UN in 1989.
This convention gives 54
important rights that every child should have, such as the right to education, healthcare,
safety from harm, and participation in decision-making.
These rights are not just privileges; they are promises that children can claim no matter where they belong.
However, living in Pakistan and working with other children, I can see that many of these
promises still need to be fulfilled.
Too many children here face challenges like needing more schools, child labour, and poverty. In areas like Sindh, Tharparkar, and other rural regions, getting an education is still a dream for many children, especially girls.
Often, kids are taken
out of school to help at home or work in the labour.
Article 25A of our Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 16, but this still needs to be fully realized in these areas.
Over 22 million children in Pakistan are still out of school, and girls are affected the most.
Many children today face serious challenges when it comes to safety and support.
Many kids suffer from violence at home, outside, or in their communities, but resources for helping
them are limited. Children with disabilities often face neglect, and there are not enough inclusive schools to support their learning alongside other children, particularly in rural areas
where awareness of children’s rights is limited.
Another serious issue is child marriage, which affects many parts of Pakistan, especially in marginalized communities in remote areas like Tharparkar, the market, Badin, etc. Many girls are forced into marriage at a young age because of social pressures, cultural norms, and financial constraints. I’ve witnessed many friends who were married at an early age, though they dreamed of getting higher education but could not do so.
Early marriage steals their chance to continue their education and the freedom to pursue their dream life.
The National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) is working on many policy-level issues for children’s rights where members of the Child Advisory Panel play a vital role.
However, much work remains to raise awareness and push for laws that protect children from harmful practices.
The challenges in Pakistan remind us why Universal Children’s Day is essential. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. As a child, I see the need for change and feel the weight of ongoing struggles.
Being a member of the Child Advisory Panel has taught me how important it is to involve children in decision-making that affects their lives. Adults often discuss how to make a better world for us/children but rarely ask for our opinions on what we want.Child rights without involving children themselves are incomplete.
Children can share their ideas, dreams, and problems and provide solutions based on their experiences.
Universal Children’s Day is a special day for kids to share their thoughts. It’s a reminder that we are not just the future—we are present. Our rights are important right now, and we can
help improve the world.
This year, I ask everyone—political leaders, parents, teachers, and government and non-government organizations—to take a moment to listen to us. We all deserve to be
heard, whether in a peaceful village or a bustling city. Every child should have the chance to dream big and live in a world that supports their rights.
As a child advocate, I want to see Pakistan as a better and child-friendly place where children thrive, where children grow, and where every child attends school and feels safe.
To make this happen, we need to address the issues we face, especially in education, safety,and basic needs, so that all children have a fair chance to succeed.
