[ISLAMABAD, 3 March 2010] - The Child Rights Legal Centre has launched the first comprehensive website on child rights in Pakistan. The portal can be accessed at http://pakistan.childrightsdesk.com.

The website aims to help government institutions and civil society organisations monitor the country's compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and to take immediate and informed measures to protect the rights of children in Pakistan.

Readers will find in-depth information on the spectrum of child rights issues in articles, reports and videos.

The site also provides information on international and domestic legal frameworks protecting children. The rights of children in Pakistan, who make up almost half the country's population, are protected by the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC).

Pakistan ratified UN CRC in 1990. This means that Pakistan is committed and obligated to take the necessary legal, administrative and other measures to implement the Convention. 

However, according to the site, Pakistan's existing laws are outdated, lack crucial details, do not fully incorporate international standards on children's rights, and are not adequately enforced.

Understanding children’s rights and ensuring their protection, is an important element of living in a democratic society that values diversity and is committed to equality and social justice for all.

The website is part of the Child Rights Legal Centre's broader programme launched this week. The programme aims to strengthen knowledge of international laws and standards relating to child rights and facilitate the application of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Centre also offers legal services which include online legal advice and a child rights legal database. This information can be accessed at http://www.crlc.info.

Further information

• Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child for Pakistan's 3rd and 4th report
• Challenging breaches of children's rights
• Search CRIN's child rights legal database
  
• More on child rights in Pakistan
  

Contact Information:

Child Rights Legal Centre
House 112, Street 110, G 11/3, Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: +92 51 2221657; 2221628
Fax: +92 51 2221628
Email: info@crlc.info
Websites: www.crlc.info; pakistan.childrightsdesk.com  

Last updated 04/03/2010 02:56:56