UN Child Rights Committee Flags Education Emergency and Violence Risks in Pakistan Review

Experts commend constitutional child protections but warn implementation gaps threaten a generation.

Pakistan has won international recognition for embedding the best interests of the child in its Constitution, but faces urgent challenges in tackling violence against children and a deepening education emergency, according to a review concluded today by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The Committee завершed its examination of Pakistan’s sixth and seventh periodic report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, alongside its initial report under the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, during its ongoing session in Geneva.

Committee members praised Pakistan’s legal framework and political commitments, while warning that persistent gaps between law and lived reality continue to expose millions of children to harm, exclusion, and lost opportunity.

Violence Against Children Remains a Critical Concern

Sophie Kiladze, Chair of the Committee and Taskforce Member for Pakistan, welcomed the country’s legislative progress, calling the constitutional recognition of children’s best interests “outstanding”.

However, she raised serious concerns about the scale of violence affecting children, including sexual violence against boys, gender-based violence, and online abuse.

“There are alarming numbers of cases,” Ms. Kiladze said, pressing the State on how it is addressing root causes, ensuring investigations, and delivering justice and protection for victims.

In response, Pakistan’s delegation said a national strategic plan was in place, focused on protection, prosecution, and rehabilitation. Measures include district-level protection mechanisms, inspections, rescue operations, and penalties proportionate to the gravity of crimes.

A Systemic Education Crisis

Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator Thuwayba Al Barwani described Pakistan’s education situation as a severe national crisis.

More than 25 million children aged five to 16—around one-third of the school-age population—are reportedly out of school, while 77 per cent of children are unable to read or understand basic texts by age 10.

“How is the Government ensuring that education laws are enforced in practice?” Ms. Al Barwani asked, highlighting concerns around implementation, access, and quality.

Government Response: Emergency Measures and Investment

Introducing the report, Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice and head of Pakistan’s delegation, said children’s rights were among the country’s most urgent priorities.

He noted that in September 2024, the Prime Minister declared a nationwide education emergency, linking school exclusion to poverty, nutrition, and disaster vulnerability.

The delegation outlined major interventions, including:

• A cash stipend for girls, credited with enrolling 800,000 additional students

• Large-scale teacher training programmes

• Efforts to remove documentation barriers to enrolment

• Reconstruction of 2,000 flood-damaged schools in Sindh and Punjab

Reform Momentum, But Implementation Is Key

In closing remarks, Ms. Al Barwani acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment and expressed confidence that progress was achievable, urging child-centred legislation and reforms driven by children’s voices.

Ms. Kiladze emphasised the long-term stakes: “What Pakistan invests in its children today will define the country’s future 20 or 30 years from now.”

Mr. Malik echoed the message, noting that children make up nearly half of Pakistan’s population. “They are our most treasured asset,” he said, pledging to translate the Committee’s guidance into concrete improvements.

What Happens Next

The Committee will publish its concluding observations on Pakistan at the end of its 100th session on 30 January, outlining formal recommendations and benchmarks for progress.

As Pakistan navigates demographic pressure, climate shocks, and social transformation, the review underscores a critical message: strong constitutional promises must now be matched by delivery at scale—especially in education, protection, and access to justice.