SCPA, Unicef collaborate on consultation for strengthening child protection systems

The Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA), part of the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Sindh, in partnership with Unicef Pakistan, successfully conducted a two-day consultation event focused on establishing a sustainable child protection management and referral system in Sindh.

Held on September 4 and 5, 2024, at Avari Tower Hotel, Karachi, the consultation was chaired by Parvez Ahmed Seehar, secretary of the Social Welfare Department.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Moazzam Ali Mari, director general of the SCPA, and Susan Andre, chief of child protection at Unicef Pakistan. It gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of the Technical Working Group (TWG), implementation partners, child protection advocates, and representatives from government departments, NGOs, academia, and civil society.

Key presentations were made on the current state of child protection in Sindh, with experts discussing the challenges and opportunities in improving case management and referral systems. Participants engaged in group discussions and brainstorming sessions to propose practical solutions for strengthening child protection frameworks in the province.

The event also included a session led by Unicef Pakistan, focusing on global best practices in child protection, providing insights that could be adapted to Sindh’s local context. The consultation concluded with the formulation of a detailed roadmap, outlining the specific roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure a sustainable child protection system in the province.

In his concluding remarks, Parvez Ahmed Seehar commended the participants for their dedication and contributions, saying, “The Sindh government is consistently working to protect children, but it is crucial to enhance coordination between institutions. This two-day consultation has been a significant step toward strengthening our child protection case management and referral system.”

The consultation ended with a collective commitment from all participants to advance child protection in Sindh through continued collaboration and innovative solutions.