Karachi: Children from all over Pakistan raised their voices for their rights and urged the decision makers to ‘listen to the voice of the future’ to participate in the International Children’s Day event held in Karachi. Young talented musicians, artists, and child rights activists informed the audience about their demands, hopes, and dreams for creating a safe future through songs, speeches, and theatre.

According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the occasion highlighted the significant concerns of children and youth in Pakistan, who are advocating for their rights and emphasizing the urgent need for action against climate change. UNICEF Youth Advocate, Taqwa Ahmed, expressed that climate change is a threat to their future and stressed the importance of listening to children’s concerns and respecting their rights.

International Children’s Day, a global initiative by UNICEF, marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989, a treaty ratified by the majority of countries worldwide. Pakistan was among the first to sign the CRC in 1990, committing to the promotion and protection of children’s rights. Despite this commitment, challenges persist in Pakistan, including the highest infant mortality rate globally, with 40 percent of children out of school and over 40 percent of children under five malnourished.

During the event, the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, highlighted the pressing issues of out-of-school children, malnutrition, and lack of access to clean water. He emphasized the need for immediate attention and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

It was also noted that a significant percentage of children in Pakistan face violence during their education and training. Recently, the government participated in the world ministerial conference on eliminating violence against children in Bogota, Colombia, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.