Children across Pakistan came together to speak up for their rights at a World Children’s Day in Karachi asking decision-makers to “Listen to the Future”.

Hosted by UNICEF, Taqwa Ahmad, the Youth Advocate in UNICEF stressed the urgent need for climate action, stating that “our voices are often silenced, and our rights ignored.”

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

Pakistan’s commitment to child rights dates back to 1990 when it ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

However, challenges persist with 40 percent of children remaining out of school, 40 percent are malnourished, and Pakistan has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates globally.

“Urgent attention is needed to tackle pressing issues such as 26.2 million out-of-school children, high rates of malnutrition, and lack of safe water access for millions, among others,” Ahmad said.

Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, acknowledged the urgent need for change, stressing the need to address pressing issues like malnutrition and limited access to safe water.

We must renew our commitment to ensure that all children can grow in safe, nurturing environments,” said Chief Minister of Sindh, Honorable Syed Murad Ali Shah.

In support, Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator, called for greater efforts to ensure that every child’s rights to education, health, and safety are upheld.

Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, voiced children’s concerns ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan, calling for a global focus on the climate crisis.

With children comprising nearly half of Pakistan’s population, Fadil stressed the need for action, saying, “It’s time to prioritize their futures before it’s too late.”