According to the strategy, in Pakistan, up to 8 in 10 children (80%) experience violent discipline, 1 in 16 children aged 12-17 who use the internet endure technology-facilitated exploitation or abuse, 840,000 children (aged 10-17) have ever been married, 8.6 million children are engaged in child labour, and over 57% of children under 5 are not registered with a civil authority – making them more vulnerable to violence and limiting their access to protection and essential services.
Pakistan´s national strategy was officially launched during the National Preparatory Consultation for the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children which will be held this November in Manila, the Philippines. During the two-day consultation – led by the Ministry of Human Rights in partnership with UNICEF and WHO on 14-15 October – over 100 participants including experts, federal and provincial authorities, partners, representatives from civil society, youth organizations and children are engaging in conversations to jointly identify solutions and measurable action. Discussions are also taking stock of Pakistan’s progress on the pledges made by Pakistan during the previous Global Ministerial Conference held in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2024.
The national strategy aims to strengthen a system of prevention, protection, response, recovery, reintegration and justice for every child, regardless of social or economic status.
The objective is to tackle multiple forms of violence such as violent killing, physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, child neglect and technology-facilitated violence, exploitation and abuse. The risk of facing violence – including exploitation, early marriage, trafficking and child labour – is disproportionately high for vulnerable populations such as displaced children, migrant children, and those living in informal or poor urban settlements.
The initiative is grounded in the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the INSPIRE framework, an evidence-based package developed by a group of 10 international agencies under the leadership of WHO. INSPIRE includes seven strategies that have reduced violence against children in many countries by addressing laws, norms, safe environments, caregiver support, financial stability, response services, and life skills.
“I stand before you today as a Girl Guide with a simple hope: that every child in Pakistan can grow up without fear. For many children, fear is part of everyday life. It may be bullying at school, punishment that causes pain and humiliation, harassment, or threats on a phone screen. Most children face abuse from someone they know and trust.
Some children are forced to work. Some others are forced to marry during their childhood. No child should have to choose between suffering in silence and being afraid to speak. We often hear that children are the future, but our childhood is happening now. The safety and protection we deserve and the support we need cannot wait until we grow up, said Girl Guide Qurat Ul ain Safdar Khan.”
“Today’s launch of Pakistan’s first National Strategy to End Violence Against Children is a significant milestone in our efforts to establish a comprehensive and coordinated national framework for strengthening prevention, protection and response across relevant sectors and institutions. This strategy is just the beginning. Success will be measured by our actions and our ability to save children from violence,” said the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Abdul Khalique Shaikh.
“The Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is committed to strengthening child protection and ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe and violence-free environment. Ending violence against children requires effective policies, strong institutions and collective efforts to safeguard their rights, dignity and future,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq.
“The message shared by children that violence is still considered discipline is particularly important. Because it tells us that ending violence is not only about responding after harm occurs. It is about prevention. It is about supporting parents and caregivers. It is about safe and positive learning environments. It is about addressing harmful social norms. And it is about ensuring that children know their rights and know where to seek help", said UNICEF's Deputy Representative a.i. in Pakistan, Jennifer Melton.
“Ending violence against children is central to public health, and any form of violence against a child is a direct attack on our future. The consequences of violence can extend far beyond immediate injury. They can affect a child’s mental health, development, education and relationships, and continue to influence health and well-being into adulthood.
Pakistan can count on the support of WHO to advance your commitment to end violence against children, in all its forms, and for every child, no matter where they live or who they are,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng.
According to WHO, globally, 1 billion children experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence each year, which can generate lifelong physical and mental health impacts. Every 5 minutes, a child dies as a result of violence. These deaths, and the long-term harm caused by all forms of violence against children, are preventable.