Universal Children’s Day observed

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Universal Children’s Day wax observed across the globe, including Pakistan with a call for securing the rights of children. This is a day for children, by children, all over the world to help save children’s lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfill their potential. Academic institutions, government departments and civil society organizations will commence special events to celebrate the day. This year theme of the day is "Stop Violence Against Children". Much violence against children, such as corporal punishment and sexual abuse, remains legal and socially approved in many countries. The violence children face takes many forms, such as exploitation and abuse, trafficking, physical and humiliating punishment, harmful traditional practices (including early marriage and genital mutilation/cutting) and recruitment into armed forces and groups. Growing up with violence and abuse seriously affects a child’s development, dignity, and physical and psychological integrity. In their separate messages, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have re-affirmed the commitment to safeguard the rights of children. They said the observance of the Day reminds us of our obligation to the children as ordained in the injunctions of our religion and also in the Constitution. On December 14, 1954, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries should introduce an annual event from 1956 known as Universal Children's Day to encourage fraternity and understanding between children all over the world and promoting the welfare of children. It was recommended that individual countries should choose an appropriate date for this occasion.