‘Review of Rizwana Case – The Faces of Child Abuse and Child Labour in Pakistan’

Rizwana case will catalyze greater awareness, advocacy, and action against child abuse: IPS forum

The Rizwana Abuse Case serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and uphold the rights of all children, ensuring they are afforded a safe and nurturing environment to thrive. As the trial progresses, there is hope that justice will be served, and the case will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness, advocacy, and action to combat child abuse and exploitation in Pakistan.

This was discussed during an event titled ‘Review of Rizwana Case – The Faces of Child Abuse and Child Labour in Pakistan’, held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, and hosted by SPIRE (Social Action for Progression Innovation, Research, and Education), an independent initiative under the social work umbrella of NEAD Foundation, on April 26, 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness, foster discussion, and advocate for children’s rights in Pakistani society.

The session was mainly addressed by Sharafat Ali Chaudhry, advocate high court and criminal justice expert with UNFPA, while educators, activists, policymakers, legal professionals, and concerned citizens also participated in the discussion.

Advocate Sharafat shared insights into the pre-trial proceedings of the Rizwana case reported in July 2023. The young girl serving as a domestic worker faced life-threatening treatment at the residence of a serving judge of the Islamabad District Courts, Asim Hafeez.

As the pre-trial proceedings were completed, a charge was framed on the accused, the wife of the judge, on February 16, 2024. Although the accused is on bail, this marks a significant step in seeking justice for the victim. In the next stage, prosecution witnesses/evidence would be presented before the trial judge as the case is now fixed for May 15, 2024. The trial is expected to take another 8-12 months to complete, he noted.

The case, which has garnered significant attention, underscores the pervasive issues of child abuse and child labor prevalent in Pakistani society.

Advocate Sharafat highlighted the urgent need for a robust legal framework and effective implementation of child protection laws to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

According to him, all provinces have enacted special laws, such as child protection acts, and model courts are to be established under these laws. He viewed the child protection regime of Pakistan to be a robust one as the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child after its adoption. However, the need to implement these laws in letter and spirit with adequate awareness, capacity building of the relevant institutions, and training was emphasized.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a legal practitioner and former member of the ICT Child Protection Advisory Board, he offered valuable insights into the challenges faced by children in accessing their rights and the role of stakeholders in addressing these issues effectively.

Ameena Sohail, IPS associate, proposed a collaboration of such initiatives with research organizations like IPS to address this pressing issue on a broader scale. Such collaborative efforts are essential to address the harrowing realities of child abuse and child labor and pave the way for a safer and more equitable society for all children.

he event concluded with a synthesis of key points and takeaways for future endeavors in child protection and advocacy.