ISLAMABAD: Khalid Naeem, a Member of the National Commission on the Rights of Children, has called on all relevant departments, including the media, government, and private organizations, to actively contribute to making both institutional and non-institutional sectors free from child abuse and to safeguard girls’ rights in society.
On the occasion of the International Day for Girls’ Rights, Khalid Naeem, in an interview, stressed the need to raise awareness about girls’ rights at the grassroots level. He emphasized that society should ensure education, healthcare, equal rights, safety, and security for every girl.
He highlighted the significance of the International Day of the Girl, celebrated every year on October 11, as a day when the United Nations and its partners collaborate with girls to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights. This day was first celebrated in 2012 to raise awareness about gender inequality and promote girls’ rights and empowerment.
The International Day of the Girl in 2023 theme is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.”
Regarding girls’ rights, Khalid Naeem pointed out that girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during their formative years but as they transition into adulthood. He emphasized the role of parents in securing a better future for their daughters through education and skills development.
Khalid Naeem called for global organizations like the International Labor Organization (ILO) and SPARC to combat child labor and child abuse to protect girls from these challenges.
He also highlighted child marriage as a significant violation of human rights and called for its prevention. Khalid Naeem emphasized that the progress of a nation depends on the safety and equal opportunities provided to its girl children.
He also urged human rights organizations to conduct orientation sessions for students and provide capacity-building training to safeguard girls’ fundamental human rights. —APP
