UNICEF supports training of child protection unit staff

PESHAWAR: To ensure protection and welfare of children in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a 10-day training on child protection case management was conducted at a hotel here.
The training was organized as a mandatory course for all the staff of nine newly-established Child Protection Units (CPUs) with the support from UNICEF.

Considering the severity of child protection issues and its long-term impacts on children’s wellbeing and development, the Directorate of Social Welfare Merged Districts has prioritized addressing child protection issues in communities, including issues of children on the move and Afghan Refugees.
To fulfill this mission, the department has established nine CPUs in all the merged districts. These CPUs are staffed with child protection officer, psychologist and social workers.
Sohail Ahmad, Child Protection Specialist from UNICEF, highlighted the objectives and significance of this mandatory foundational course to the staff of CPUs.
He said UNICEF provided technical support to the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission and SWD for developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ensuring highly quality case management services to children at risk or survivors of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and harmful practices.
These SOPs are developed by international social work experts and are fully aligned with the international standards.
Dr. Wisam Hazeem, Programme Manager from UNICEF, said children and communities in these merged districts had long survived hardships and instances of violence and abuse.
He also advocated that with the political stability and the new democratic government set up for next five years is promising and will ensure the continuity of investments made in the child protection policies and systems for the last few years.
In closing remarks, Muhammad Farooq, Additional Secretary Social Welfare Department, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of all participants to the cause of Child Protection in Merged Districts, including addressing the unique needs of children on the move and Afghan Refugees.
He encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during this 10-day training course in their respective roles, thereby safeguarding the rights of all children, and to actively engage with parents and communities in their efforts.