ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) has called for stronger child protection and safeguarding mechanisms in schools, stressing that ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of children is a shared national responsibility.
The call was made during a session titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse,” organised by the PCCR in collaboration with the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) at the IRI, Faisal Mosque, Islamabad.
The session was attended by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, MNA and PCCR Convenor Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNAs Zeb Jaffar and Asiya Naz Tanoli, National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) Chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas, and IRI Director General Dr. Muhammad Akram, along with principals and heads of public and private schools in Islamabad Capital Territory and other relevant stakeholders.
The participants highlighted the critical role of school administrations, teachers, parents and relevant institutions in creating safe, respectful and child-friendly learning environments.
The session noted that child abuse takes various forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect,
exploitation, bullying and cyberbullying, which can adversely affect children’s confidence, education and overall development.
The PCCR emphasised that schools must provide safe environments where children can report abuse or raise concerns without fear of blame, intimidation or stigma. It called for the introduction and effective implementation of clear child protection policies, the appointment of designated safeguarding focal persons, confidential reporting mechanisms, regular staff training and appropriate referral procedures.
The participants also stressed the importance of age-appropriate awareness among children about personal boundaries, recognising unsafe situations and identifying trusted adults who can provide support and protection.
School principals and administrators were urged to regularly review safeguarding arrangements, strengthen staff accountability and improve coordination with parents, government institutions and child protection authorities.
The session further focused on identifying early warning signs of abuse, adopting preventive measures, establishing safe reporting and referral pathways, and launching school-level awareness campaigns for teachers, students and parents.
The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation among parliamentarians, educational authorities, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen child protection measures.
It also appreciated the collaboration of SSDO and the Islamic Research Institute in raising awareness about child safeguarding, emphasising that every adult and institution working with children has a responsibility to ensure that they are safe, heard, respected and protected from abuse.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
