NCRC issues stance on birth registration

LAHORE:The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) Wednesday issued a formal response to Sarmad Ali, Director Legal Awareness Watch (LAW) and former Chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Child Rights Committee of Lahore Bar Association, regarding concerns related to birth registration in Pakistan.

In a letter, National Commission on the Rights of Child chairperson Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the statutory role of the Commission in promoting and protecting child rights. She stated that the NCRC has developed recommendations to expedite birth registration processes across the country.

The NCRC clarified that while NADRA assists in record management, the primary responsibility for birth registration lies with union councils and municipal committees at the local government level.

Addressing concerns about the absence of NADRA offices in tehsils of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Commission affirmed that this should not obstruct birth registration processes.

The Commission confirmed its advocacy for implementing rules of the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 to safeguard the rights of juveniles in conflict with the law, including ensuring provision of legal aid. The NCRC reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under Section 15 of the Act to protect and advance child rights across the country.

Ms Ayesha concluded by acknowledging Ali’s concerns, reaffirming the Commission’s resolve to address systemic challenges for the betterment of children in Pakistan.