Children rights in Pakistan are enshrined in both national law and international commitments. Yet despite these legal frameworks, millions of children in the country continue to face poverty, violence, neglect, child labor, early marriage, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. Pakistan’s future depends on how we treat its youngest citizens—but the question remains: who is responsible for ensuring these rights?
Is it the government’s duty alone? What about parents, schools, religious institutions, civil society, and the media? In reality, safeguarding children’s rights is a collective responsibility shared by all sectors of society.
In this blog, we will explore the legal context of children rights in Pakistan, highlight the challenges in implementation, examine the roles of different stakeholders, and showcase how organizations like SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan are actively working to protect and promote these rights.
The Real Picture: Challenges in Upholding Children Rights
1. Widespread Child Labor
According to estimates, over 12 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labor—working in factories, fields, homes, and even on the streets. Many are subjected to hazardous conditions with no access to education or healthcare.
2. Low Education Access and Quality
Millions of children, particularly girls and those in rural areas, are out of school. Even those who attend often face overcrowded classrooms, poorly trained teachers, and lack of basic facilities.
3. Violence and Abuse
Reports of physical and sexual abuse, especially in madrassas, workplaces, and even homes, are alarmingly common. Many cases go unreported due to societal taboos, victim-blaming, and lack of legal support.
4. Child Marriage and Trafficking
In parts of rural Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab, child marriage remains a deeply rooted tradition. Children are also trafficked for labor, begging, and even organ trade.
5. Limited Healthcare and Nutrition
Many children suffer from malnutrition, preventable diseases, and lack access to vaccination or mental health services—especially in remote and underserved areas.
Who Is Responsible for Protecting Children Rights?
Let’s break down the responsibilities by sector:
1. Government
As the primary duty bearer, the government has the most significant role in ensuring children rights in Pakistan.
Responsibilities:
- Enacting and enforcing child protection laws
- Providing free, quality education and healthcare
- Setting up child protection bureaus and juvenile justice systems
- Funding shelters and rehabilitation centers
- Monitoring rights violations and generating data
However, governance gaps, underfunding, and lack of coordination between federal and provincial bodies often hinder effective action.
2. Parents and Families
Parents are the first guardians of children’s rights. Their actions have lifelong effects on a child’s wellbeing.
Responsibilities:
- Ensuring school enrollment and attendance
- Providing nutrition, healthcare, and a safe home
- Protecting children from forced labor or early marriage
- Teaching values of dignity, equality, and respect
Unfortunately, poverty, lack of awareness, and cultural practices often prevent families from fulfilling these responsibilities.
3. Educational Institutions
Schools must not only teach but also protect children and nurture their growth.
Responsibilities:
- Creating safe, inclusive environments
- Reporting abuse or neglect
- Teaching children about their rights
- Supporting emotional and mental health
Training teachers to be advocates for child rights is crucial.
4. Judiciary and Law Enforcement
Without legal protection, rights are meaningless.
Responsibilities:
- Prosecuting child abuse and trafficking cases
- Ensuring child-friendly courts and legal aid
- Enforcing child labor and child marriage laws
- Protecting children in conflict with the law
However, weak judicial infrastructure and societal pressure often result in delayed or denied justice.
5. Media and Civil Society
The media and civil society are powerful allies in promoting awareness and accountability.
Responsibilities:
- Reporting violations and holding institutions accountable
- Raising awareness on child rights issues
- Supporting victim advocacy and rehabilitation
- Campaigning for policy changes
6. Religious and Community Leaders
In Pakistan’s deeply religious society, spiritual and local leaders influence public perception.
Responsibilities:
- Advocating against child marriage, labor, and violence
- Promoting education for girls
- Supporting parenting programs and positive discipline
- Fighting harmful traditional practices
The Role of SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan
A Beacon of Hope
For decades, SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan has been at the forefront of children’s rights and protection. We serve children who are orphaned, abandoned, or at risk of losing parental care—providing them with love, stability, and opportunity.
Key Programs
1. Family-Based Care
We provide homes where children grow up with dedicated mothers and siblings in SOS Villages across Pakistan. Here, every child receives:
- Emotional and psychological support
- Education and vocational training
- Health and nutrition services
- Safety, dignity, and belonging
2. Family Strengthening Program
We work with vulnerable families in communities to:
- Prevent child abandonment
- Empower parents through skills training and income support
- Educate caregivers on children’s rights and responsibilities
- Ensure access to basic services
3. Education
SOS runs Hermann Gmeiner Schools and community-based education centers across the country to provide free and quality education to thousands of children, especially girls and marginalized groups.
4. Advocacy and Awareness
We partner with local governments, law enforcement, and other NGOs to:
- Advocate for better child protection laws
- Conduct training and workshops
- Run awareness campaigns on children’s rights and child protection
Bridging the Gaps: What Needs to Be Done?
1. Strengthen Institutional Capacity
Build stronger child protection systems, including shelters, child welfare committees, and rescue hotlines in every district.
2. Improve Law Enforcement
Train police, judges, and lawyers on handling child-related cases with sensitivity and urgency.
3. Invest in Education and Health
Increase budget allocations for universal access to quality education, nutrition, mental health services, and primary healthcare.
4. Empower Communities
Introduce community-based child protection committees to identify, report, and prevent violations at the grassroots level.
5. Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
Government, NGOs, schools, media, religious leaders, and families must work together—no single institution can address all challenges alone.
The Importance of Child Participation
Children are not just passive recipients of rights—they are active stakeholders. Encouraging child participation in family, school, and policy decisions is essential.
At SOS, we hold children’s forums, where children can express their concerns, share ideas, and learn about their rights in a safe space. Listening to children empowers them and makes our programs more effective.
Conclusion
Children rights in Pakistan are fundamental to the country’s development, peace, and prosperity. While laws and policies are important, the real challenge lies in implementation, enforcement, and societal change.
Responsibility does not rest with one institution or authority. The government must lead the way, but parents, educators, judges, civil society, and communities all share the duty to uphold these rights. Organizations like SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan continue to fill critical gaps—but cannot do it alone.
