Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse in Early Years Education in Pakistan: Challenges and Issues

Abstract

Children are most important asset of a nation. The growth and
development of a society always depends upon its children. Child sexual
abuse (CSA) is becoming devastatingly prominent in schools. CSA is
wide spread but largely unrecognized problem in many countries,
especially in developing countries. Sexual predators choose employment
in sectors that give them access to children. They choose younger victims
because they are not mature witnesses, this fact saves them in
prosecution proceedings. These facts make primary schools ideal targets
for pedophiles. This paper discussed the provisions in the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child relating to the right of education
and protection of children from sexual abuse. It also examined the
policies and laws in Pakistan including constitutional provisions and
relevant statutes protecting children from sexual abuse in early years’
education and analysed gaps in the present legislative and policy
framework. The conclusion and recommendations were provided on the
basis of consulted documents.