Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has emphasized the importance of prioritizing child welfare in legal proceedings, urging judges to adopt a child welfare-based approach. He stressed the critical need for the justice system to focus on the well-being of children, ensuring their rights and needs are safeguarded in every case involving them.
“For our children, who are not only our future but also our present, we cannot afford to set mechanisms in motion step by step. We must act now. We must prioritize the rights of children because this is essential for them to exercise and enjoy their human rights today, and because it is an investment in our future,” Justice Shah observed.
He was speaking at the launch event of the “Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan - The Voice of Children,” a joint venture between the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) and UNICEF. The initiative aims to accelerate justice within the child rights agenda in Pakistan through collaboration.
During the event, Justice Shah underscored the importance of creating a compassionate and just system for children. In his insightful discourse on the “Domestication of the Global Framework on Justice for Children,” he highlighted the need to raise awareness, prioritize rehabilitation over retribution, and dispel myths surrounding child justice.
Sensitizing judges from the district judiciary and other attendees, Justice Shah stated, "The best interests of a child should be our prime consideration. We need to be more sensitive towards our children." He added, "Judges must familiarize themselves with the UNCRC and other international instruments to better reach out to children."
Justice Shah further emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan is strong and robust in protecting child rights. "Moreover, there is a lot of wisdom in Islam that safeguards the rights of children." He noted, "Every child, regardless of gender, race, or disability, has the right to be treated with dignity and respect."
He also referred to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W), who condemned the mistreatment and neglect of children, reinforcing the notion that children should be valued and protected within society.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Abdullah Fadil, also spoke about the global framework on justice for children and the pragmatic steps taken to promote child rights in Pakistan. He said, “Children have specific needs when they come into contact with the justice system, whether they are victims or witnesses of a crime, in need of safety and protection, or in conflict with the law.” He emphasized, “Children need a justice system that is child-centric, accessible, and offers equal opportunities for redress, nurture, empowerment, and care. UNICEF is committed to greater investment in children to ensure progress for every child in Pakistan and around the world.”
Rabiya Javeri Agha from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) highlighted the “Justice for Children—The Human Rights Perspective.” She stated that the NCHR is committed to taking all possible measures, framing policies, and launching programs to ensure the protection and promotion of children’s rights, including those of children with disabilities. "Together, we can make a difference," she concluded.
The Academy also hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the J4C Interactive Resource Center and the inauguration of the J4C Booth.
Earlier, DG FJA Hayat Ali Shah spoke about the importance of the “Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan” launch event and outlined a future roadmap to maximize the impact of this joint venture with UNICEF.
The event was attended by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Honorable Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Moshin Akhtar Kayani, Senior Puisne Judge of the Islamabad High Court, judges from the district judiciary, international partners, noted lawyers, human rights and child rights activists, and students from law colleges and educational institutions.