Juvenile justice

Pakistan has ratified several international conventions impacting children, such as the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), but effective enforcement of these international instruments remains an elusive dream. Justice for children remains a developing concept that is yet to be fully realised across the country.

Child victims/witnesses and children in conflict with the law often encounter significant barriers, such as a lack of legal representation in the face of defective investigations, prolonged court procedures, and inadequate protection, leading to poor justice outcomes and, too often, secondary trauma. Social stigmatisation, particularly for children from marginalised communities, further exacerbates these challenges. It is important that we address these challenges urgently.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad