The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) launched a child protection awareness campaign on 29 October in partnership with the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) and the Islamic Research Institute (IRI). The initiative seeks to prevent violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse against children.
A seminar titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse” served as the official launch event. Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik attended the proceedings.
Syed Kausar Abbas, the Chief Executive Officer of SSDO, was present at the seminar alongside Director Programmes Maryam Jawad. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, an MNA and PCCR Convener, joined the event with MNAs Zeb Jaffar and Asiya Naz Tanoli.
Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child, also participated in the session. Muhammad Akram, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute, attended the gathering to support the campaign's objectives.
Participants argued that safeguarding children requires more than just policy commitments, emphasizing the need for institutional accountability and timely action against exploitation. Speakers noted that schools are frontline institutions for identifying warning signs of abuse and must provide safe, inclusive learning environments.
The SSDO intends to reach more than 50,000 students and parents by visiting approximately 300 public and private schools in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. Speakers stated that children must be able to disclose safety concerns without facing stigma or intimidation while receiving child-sensitive support.
The campaign highlights that child protection is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action from government departments, educators, parents, and local communities.
