Islamabad: The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) has called for the reinforcement of child protection and safeguarding mechanisms within schools, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of children are a collective national duty. According to the National Assembly of Pakistan, the PCCR organized a session titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse,” in collaboration with the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), held at the Islamic Research Institute in Faisal Mosque, Islamabad.
The session was attended by several key figures, including Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA and Convenor PCCR, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, MNA, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, MNA, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, and Dr. Muhammad Akram, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute. School principals and heads from both public and private sectors in the Islamabad Capital Territory, along with relevant stakeholders, also participated.
The Caucus underscored the essential role of school leadership, teachers, parents, and institutions in fostering secure, respectful, and child-friendly educational environments. It noted that child abuse manifests in various forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, and cyberbullying, all of which can significantly impact a child’s confidence, education, and overall development.
The Caucus insisted that schools must be safe havens where children can voice concerns without fear of blame, intimidation, or stigma. It highlighted the necessity for well-defined child protection policies, appointed focal persons, confidential reporting systems, staff training, and adequate referral procedures.
Furthermore, the Caucus highlighted the importance of age-appropriate awareness among children regarding personal boundaries, recognizing unsafe situations, and identifying trusted adults. It urged school administrators to routinely evaluate safeguarding arrangements, enhance staff accountability, and collaborate effectively with parents, government bodies, and child protection authorities.
The session also addressed the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abuse, implementing prevention strategies, establishing safe reporting and referral pathways, and developing school-level awareness campaigns for teachers, students, and parents.
The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights reiterated its dedication to fostering dialogue among parliamentarians, educational authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners to implement practical measures for safeguarding children. It acknowledged the collaboration of SSDO and the Islamic Research Institute and reinforced the notion that every adult and institution interacting with a child carries the responsibility to ensure children’s safety, respect, and protection from abuse.