Pledge renewed to safeguard rights of children

By Bureau report
November 19, 2025
Child Protection Officer UNICEF Sumbal Gillani in a group photo along with the Social Welfare team and other officials and participants during celebrating Universal Children’s Day, arranged by the Social Welfare department with the support of UNICEF at UPS on November 18, 2025. — APP
Child Protection Officer UNICEF Sumbal Gillani in a group photo along with the Social Welfare team and other officials and participants during celebrating Universal Children’s Day, arranged by the Social Welfare department with the support of UNICEF at UPS on November 18, 2025. — APP

PESHAWAR: An event was arranged at the University Public School, University of Peshawar, on Tuesday to promote child protection, youth leadership and adolescent engagement.

The Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Merged Districts in collaboration with Unicef arranged the activity to mark the Universal Children’s Day 2025.

The annual day, observed worldwide on November 20, highlights children’s rights and commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscored the need to ensure children’s meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives. Students, teachers and child protection stakeholders took part in various activities aimed at raising awareness about child rights.

The programme featured a theatre performance titled “My Day, My Rights,” a student-led panel discussion on child protection challenges and a debate competition focusing on children’s rights.

Unicef Child Protection Officer Sumbal Gillani appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of empowering adolescents as advocates for safer and more informed communities.

She noted that when young people are equipped with accurate knowledge, they become influential peer educators within their schools and neighbourhoods.

Principal University Public School Dr Syed Munir Ahmad welcomed the participants and lauded the department and Unicef for their sustained support of child protection initiatives across the province.

Director Social Welfare Merged Districts Obaidur Rahman expressed gratitude to the school administration and reiterated the department’s commitment to strengthening child protection mechanisms through community engagement and partnerships.

At the end of the event, certificates were distributed among students who participated in the theatre, panel discussion and debate activities, while shields were presented to organisers and the school administration in recognition of their contributions.