n the International Day for Street Children, the world turns its attention to the millions of children who live and survive on the streets, facing unimaginable challenges every day. It is crucial to shed light on the plight of these vulnerable individuals in countries like Pakistan. Despite efforts to address their needs, street children in Pakistan continue to face numerous challenges that obstruct their access to basic rights and opportunities.

Children in street situations must be afforded the same rights as other children and feel a sense of belonging in their community. As well as freedom from discrimination and violence, this must include, amongst other things, respect for their rights, beliefs and faith; being able to associate with other children on the street through their own networks; and the ability to participate in decisions that affect them through an active role in public life.

United Nations General Comment 21 on the Rights of Children in Street Situations as explored in Section 1.8, provides guidance to governments on how they can ensure that street-based children can enjoy their rights under the UNCRC. The general comment does not create new rights. However, it explains to governments how certain rights in the UNCRC are particularly important to street-based children and how these should be realised. It provides guidance to governments on developing comprehensive, long-term national strategies for street-connected children, looking both at preventing children from having to depend on the street and responding when children are already on the street. It was developed after worldwide consultations with children in street situations about what was most important to them.

According to the report by the National Commission on the Rights of Children and international organisations, there are approximately 1.5 million street children in Pakistan. The number has been rising. One of the primary reasons for this alarming figure is the economic hardship faced by many families across the country. Poverty often forces children to leave their homes in search of work or simply to survive. As per the Pakistan Educational Statistics Report 2021-2022, there were 26.2 million out-of-school children in Pakistan in 2021-22. 11.73 million children of those were in the Punjab. The difference between the number of out-of-school children and children living on the street is approximately 24.7 million. This is a very high number. It is feared that many of these children are either in child labour or also part of the street-based demographic.

For street-based children the quest for belonging is an impactful journey marked by numerous challenges that shape their daily lives and aspirations. These challenges stem from a complex interplay of social, economic and systemic factors, presenting terrifying barriers to their sense of identity, security and inclusion in society. Street-based children in Pakistan often face societal stigma and marginalisation due to their perceived lower socioeconomic status and lack of a stable home environment. This marginalisation can lead to discrimination, exclusion and a sense of being ‘invisible’ in mainstream society, affecting their self-esteem and mental well-being.

One of the most pressing challenges for street-based children is the lack of access to basic rights such as education, healthcare and protection from exploitation. Many of these children are denied enrollment in schools or access to essential healthcare services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability. Life on the streets exposes children to a myriad of safety and security risks, including physical and sexual violence, substance abuse and exploitation by criminal elements. The absence of a safe and nurturing environment further compounds their sense of insecurity and fear, hindering their ability to develop a strong sense of belonging.

Street-based children often lack opportunities for meaningful social interactions and integration into community networks. This isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, alienation and a lack of belonging, as they struggle to forge positive relationships and connections outside their immediate street environment.

The harsh realities of street life, including exposure to trauma, abuse and neglect, take a toll on the psychological and emotional well-being of street-connected children. Many struggle with feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and depression, further exacerbating their sense of disconnection and isolation from society.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and collaborative approach that prioritises the rights, well-being and inclusion of street-based children.

There is a pressing need to ensure that all children, regardless of their living situation, have access to quality education and healthcare services; to implement robust child protection mechanisms and legal safeguards to prevent exploitation, abuse and discrimination against street-based children. They must be comprehensive social support, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes that address the unique needs and challenges faced by street-based children. Community engagement, awareness and advocacy to challenge stigma, discrimination and misconceptions surrounding street-based children need to be promoted. The street-based children should be empowered to actively participate in making decisions that affect their lives, promoting their agency, autonomy and sense of belonging.

By addressing these challenges and fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and support, we can create a more equitable and compassionate society where every child, including those living on the streets, can experience a sense of belonging, dignity and hope for a brighter future.

The writer is a child rights activist and a programme officer at Search for Justice