A Provincial Consultative Workshop on the Strategic Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Children was organized by the Ministry of Human Rights, the World Health Organization, and the Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh at the Mövenpick Hotel Karachi.
The workshop brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, and disability rights advocates to discuss effective strategies for preventing violence against children and ensuring their protection, safety, and well-being. Special attention was given to the vulnerabilities faced by children who are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream protection systems.
Representing the ASHA Pakistan, Ghulam Nabi Nizamani and Mumtaz Mangi actively participated in the consultation, emphasizing the rights, protection, and inclusion of children with disabilities. They highlighted that children with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing violence, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination due to social stigma, communication barriers, limited access to services, and the lack of disability-inclusive child protection mechanisms.
During the discussions, ASHA Pakistan advocated for the integration of disability-inclusive approaches within all child protection policies, programs, and strategic frameworks. Key recommendations included ensuring accessible reporting and referral mechanisms, strengthening data collection on violence against children with disabilities, promoting inclusive education and community awareness, building the capacity of service providers, and ensuring the meaningful participation of children with disabilities and their families in decision-making processes.
The workshop provided an important platform for stakeholders to share experiences, identify gaps, and develop coordinated actions to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all children. ASHA Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, international organizations, and civil society partners to advance the rights, dignity, and protection of children with disabilities and to ensure that no child is left behind in efforts to prevent violence and promote human rights.
