KP launches province-wide campaign to prevent child sexual abuse
PESHAWAR, (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC) on Thursday launched a province-wide awareness campaign against child sexual abuse and exploitation, focusing on prevention, early identification of risks and responsible reporting.
The campaign aims to strengthen awareness among families and communities, promote preventive measures and improve coordination among relevant institutions to ensure effective protection and response.
Secretary Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Department Sharif Hussain formally launched the campaign at an event attended by government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, religious scholars, media representatives and child protection stakeholders.
Chief, KPCPWC Ijaz Muhammad Khan said the campaign would focus on strengthening awareness at family and community levels, enabling early identification of risks and encouraging responsible reporting of suspected cases.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts by families, communities, schools, government institutions, civil society and media to create a safer environment for children.
Religious scholar Gul Muhammad highlighted the importance of protecting children’s dignity, safety and well-being and said families, communities and institutions had a shared moral and social responsibility to safeguard children from harm.
Programme Manager Blue Veins Qamar Naseem also stressed collective efforts to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation, with the safety and best interests of children remaining central to all initiatives.
Adolescent girls from the Rise & Shine Girls Leadership Network participated in different segments of the event, highlighting the importance of providing children and adolescents with safe platforms to express their views and contribute to initiatives concerning their safety and rights.
Participants also visited information, education and communication stalls displaying awareness material on child protection, prevention and reporting mechanisms and signed a campaign pledge reaffirming their commitment to protecting children.
The KPCPWC said the campaign would continue across the province in collaboration with government departments, development partners, civil society, communities, media, religious leaders and children and adolescents.
