The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Human Rights, and UNICEF, successfully convened a two-day Provincial Consultative Workshop in Karachi to develop an actionable plan for the implementation of Pakistan’s pledges on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC).
The workshop is part of a nationwide consultative process designed to translate Pakistan’s commitments—announced at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia (November 2024)—into practical strategies at the provincial level. Pakistan’s pledges focus on:
• Strengthening and expanding Integrated Child Protection Services by 2027, and
• Promoting Positive Parenting and Non-Violent Discipline as key strategies to prevent violence against children.
The consultation brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from provincial departments such as Education, Health, Social Welfare, Law, Labor, Planning & Development, Local Government, Population Welfare, Police, FIA, Finance, and others.
Welcoming the participants, NCRC Member Sindh/Minorities, Mr. Pirbhu Satyani, emphasized that the Commission’s role is to facilitate and guide the process, but the actual implementation must be led by the provincial government. “We are here to support the Government of Sindh in ensuring that these pledges are not just commitments on paper but are translated into policies, programs, and actions that safeguard every child in the province.”
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Human Rights, Sindh, stated: “The Government of Sindh is committed to building a child protection ecosystem that is responsive, inclusive, and accountable. Ending violence against children is not just a moral obligation; it is a prerequisite for a just and humane society. We welcome this collaborative effort and assure our full support in institutionalizing these pledges through concrete action.”
Also speaking at the occasion, Ms. Ambreen Zohra, Director, Sindh Child Protection Authority, thanked the NCRC for convening this important consultation and reaffirmed her department’s commitment to leading the implementation process.
“This workshop has helped us collectively identify our priorities and develop a roadmap that reflects local realities. We appreciate the NCRC for bringing everyone together and assure that the Sindh Child Protection Authority will take lead in driving the implementation of this plan with the full support of all stakeholders.”
During the workshop, stakeholders conducted detailed discussions to contextualize the national pledges for Sindh, identified priority actions, and developed a preliminary roadmap outlining responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring indicators. The participants emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination, resource allocation, and continuous engagement with communities to ensure effective implementation.
The NCRC encouraged all departments to designate focal persons, and incorporate these priorities in departmental strategies, and establish mechanisms for regular monitoring and review. The Commission also committed to continued technical support and advocacy to ensure sustained progress.
This consultative process is the first step to fulfill global and national commitments to child protection. As the implementation phase begins, the collective efforts of all stakeholders will be essential to ensuring a safer, violence-free future for every child in Sindh and across the country.
