Islamabad, The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, hosted an award ceremony titled ‘Color of Dreams: Embassy of Spain’s Art Competition on Child Rights’ in Islamabad. The event marked Universal Children’s Day and aimed to raise awareness about child rights in Pakistan. Held at the Spanish Embassy, the ceremony brought together a diverse group of participants including ambassadors, senators, children, civil society members, and child rights activists.

According to Press Information Department, the competition attracted 310 submissions from children across various educational backgrounds, including public, private, and special education institutions. Participants were encouraged to express their views on crucial child rights issues such as child marriage, child labor, online protection, mental health, violence, and corporal punishment through their artwork.

Selecting the top 50 art pieces was a challenging task for the jury due to the exceptional creativity and talent displayed. The competition’s objective extended beyond showcasing artistic skills; it aimed to empower youth as advocates for change, fostering community engagement and discourse on child rights.

During the ceremony, young artists not only displayed their artworks but also shared the inspirations and aspirations behind their pieces. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of NCRC, highlighted the importance of child rights as foundational to building a compassionate and just society. She expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Spanish Embassy, emphasizing the shared commitment to championing children’s rights in Pakistan.

His Excellency Mr. Jose Antonio de Ory, the Ambassador of Spain, reiterated the embassy’s duty and commitment to supporting initiatives that defend the rights and well-being of children. The event concluded with Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq acknowledging the efforts and creativity of the participating students, noting the significance of their contributions to understanding and addressing child rights issues in Pakistan.

The ‘Color of Dreams’ Art Competition is seen as an instrumental platform for harnessing the power of art and advocacy in promoting the well-being and rights of children in Pakistan.