A peaceful demonstration was organised under the theme ‘Violence against Children’ by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) in collaboration with the Godh and Pahchaan in front of the Lahore Press Club on Wednesday.
Almost 150 street children and some from schools gathered to raise their voices on this sensitive issue. The children demanded their rights by wearing masks inscribed with slogans of ‘Stop Violence Against Children’ and holding placards.
They demanded proper and immediate legislation on corporal punishment, domestic child labour and early marriages so that the increasing trends of violence against children can be controlled.
The incidences of kidnapping for ransom, early marriages, murders and sexual abuse is taking their toll in Punjab. The responsibility for ensuring collective and individual safety and security lies on the state, which seems to be a silent spectator, said a press release issued by SPARC.
The statement added that increasing violence and oppression of the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society requires immediate and effective measures at many levels. Equally important is to promote non violent values through public education and awareness.