Launch of first-ever ‘State of Children in Pakistan Report 2024’

Islamabad:The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) launched its first-ever State of Children in Pakistan Report 2024 at a ceremony in Islamabad.

The Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar attended the event as chief guest. The launch was marked by the presence of ambassadors, UN representatives, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society members, and child rights advocates.

In his address, the minister termed the report a significant milestone in Pakistan’s child rights landscape, describing it as a timely and data-driven resource that offers a comprehensive, intersectional, and multidimensional overview of the situation of children across the country. The minister noted that the report’s release comes at a critical time as Pakistan prepares for its periodic review before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, scheduled for May 2025.

The report consolidates data across key thematic areas including health, education, child protection, justice, inclusion, and participation. It documents notable progress in areas such as immunisation coverage, school enrolment, child protection legislation, and public awareness on online safety. Simultaneously, it highlights persistent gaps and structural challenges, including child labour, malnutrition, high numbers of out-of-school children, and the heightened vulnerabilities faced by children with disabilities and those belonging to minority communities.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the rights of children as enshrined in the Constitution and in accordance with international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). He emphasized that the Ministry of Human Rights, in collaboration with federal and provincial departments, is actively engaged in strengthening child protection mechanisms, with a focus on both policy formulation and grassroots implementation.

He stated, “This report is not just a statistical document, it is a call to action. While we acknowledge the progress made, we must confront the challenges with urgency and determination. The protection and welfare of children must remain at the heart of our development agenda.” In her welcome remarks, NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq underscored the significance of the report as the first consolidated national resource built on a child rights-based framework. “While fragmented data has existed in silos, this report integrates information across multiple sectors to present a holistic picture of children’s lives in Pakistan. It is designed to serve as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, development partners, and child rights practitioners.”

The Minister concluded by congratulating the NCRC for its efforts and reiterated the government’s continued support in promoting and protecting the rights of all children.