In a celebration of World Children’s Day, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on 23-November-2024 led an awareness walk with children, parents, community leaders, NGO representatives and government officials aimed at emphasising the importance of children’s rights and the shared responsibility to ensure their protection and well-being.
Observed globally on November 20 each year, World Children’s Day serves as a reminder to advocate for the rights and welfare of children.
The walk was organised by the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) under the social welfare department at Sea View.
Led by the CM, the participants of the walk marched enthusiastically in white shirts and caps adorned with child protection messages. They also carried banners and placards pledging support for children’s rights.
The event also provided a platform for children to share their opinions and concerns, fostering empowerment and community engagement.
Two medical camps set up by 1122 Sindh offered medical assistance to participants, while a security plan ensured a peaceful environment.
Addressing the gathering, Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to children’s rights. “Children are the most precious members of our society, and they hold the potential to shape the future of our nation,” he said.
“As the chief minister of Sindh, I pledge my government’s unwavering dedication to nurturing, protecting, and empowering our children. Together, we must shield them from harm, provide them with education, health care and opportunities, and lay the foundation for a prosperous society,” he said.
In a statement, the SCPA said that over the past five years, it had successfully addressed 6,780 cases of child protection, reunited 2,604 missing children with their families, prevented 220 child marriages and rescued 287 kidnapped children. With a 24/7 child protection helpline and 30 child protection units across the province, Sindh had been ensuring children’s safety and well-being, the statement read.
Sindh Minister for Social Welfare Tariq Ali Talpur highlighted in his speech the government’s initiatives and achievements in child protection. “World Children’s Day is a powerful reminder of our duty to protect our children,” he said and added that the overwhelming support for the walk reflected the collective commitment to the children welfare.
The social welfare department has also implemented the Sindh Darul Atfal Supervision and Monitoring Act, registered 40 private orphanages and made three Darul Atfal operational in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur to rehabilitate orphans, including those with drug addictions.
The SCPA and the Sindh government have called on all stakeholders to join hands in this noble cause and continue the shared journey toward ensuring the rights, safety and well-being of every child.
Published in News Daily on 24-November-2024.