Child-centred approach in judiciary stressed

Islamabad:Child-centred approach in the judiciary was stressed at a high-level event titled “Promoting and Protecting Child Rights through Improved Legal Literacy and Education in Pakistan” hosted by Group Development Pakistan (GDP).

The initiative was part of a wider ‘Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan’ programme, and was launched in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), with support from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to enhance legal education and strengthen protections for child rights defenders.

The event featured key discussions on child rights, legal frameworks, and international cooperation, with distinguished speakers including Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha, and Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to Pakistan.

Sameen Sheikh, GDP’s CEO, presented the objectives, components, and expected outcomes of the initiative. “In Pakistan, child rights violations, including issues related to child abuse and exploitation, remain a significant challenge. This project represents a critical step towards addressing these issues by empowering child rights defenders and enhancing legal protections for those advocating on behalf of children’s rights.”

This initiative, supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in collaboration with the National Commission on Human Rights, aims to better protect child rights and improve legal literacy to prevent and redress child rights violations.

Two international experts on child rights and Justice for Children, explained what the Reimagine Justice for Children global agenda entailed. Valerie Khan Yusufzai, CEO Great Dreams Consulting stated: “The global agenda for reimagining justice for children includes six core priorities: ensuring every child knows and can claim their rights; providing every child access to free legal aid, representation, and services; enabling diversion for every child in conflict with the law; protecting every child from detention; ensuring every child survivor of sexual violence, abuse, or exploitation receives justice; and allowing every child access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and child-friendly courts.”

A video extract of Cedric Foussard’s intervention, who is the Coordinator of the Global Initiative on Justice for Children, was screened, highlighting the following message: “Our commitment extends to creating environments where every child can access the justice they deserve. This includes specialized services that cater to the unique needs of children, ensuring that justice is not only served but is understood and accessible by those who need it most.”

The NCHR Chairperson, Rabiya Javeri Agha, gave a comprehensive perspective on the Commission’s role in safeguarding children's rights and protecting their advocates. “This project, 'Promoting and Protecting Child Rights through Improved Legal Literacy and Education in Pakistan,' is a vital step in strengthening Justice for Children in Pakistan and protecting children’s rights. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is committed to ensuring that every child, whether a victim or witness of a crime, or in conflict with the law, is treated with the utmost care and justice, as mandated by our role.”

She said, “The NCHR recognises the challenges faced by lawyers, NGOs, journalists, and police officers who defend child rights, often at great personal risk. We work diligently to ensure their access to protection and legal recourse, thereby enhancing accountability and promoting justice.”

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, also graced the event and emphasized the legal frameworks and protection measures and processes that ought to be available for children, and reminded the public that “Courts must approach cases involving children with a dedicated child justice approach, rooted in a legal and moral obligation to protect, nurture, and rehabilitate children, ensuring their rights and well-being within the justice system.”