The NCRC, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), organized a series of children-led consultations on child rights that reverberated across Pakistan. The epicenter of this transformative movement was the National Assembly of Pakistan, where dynamic discussions at the event titled “Children in the Lead: Voices Unleashed” took place. Young changemakers took the reins, sharing their invaluable insights on a myriad of pressing issues affecting their lives, from child labour to child marriage, violence against children, education, online protection, mental health, climate change, gender, disabilities, and social inclusion, among others.
But the ripple effect extended far beyond the National Assembly. Following this event, consultations with children were held in Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, and Hyderabad. These consultations formed a mosaic of child participation and empowerment, allowing children’s voices to resonate nationwide. It was an embodiment of the commitment to ensuring that children’s voices are not only heard but also valued and acted upon. The children presented a treasure trove of recommendations on various issues, each recommendation a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize child-centred policies.
