In a significant development, the UNICEF child rights ambassador Pakistan, renowned actress Saba Qamar, has been appointed as the first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan. This momentous announcement was made on the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face across the globe.
Saba Qamar expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving this prestigious honor, stating, “It’s an honor to join UNICEF. I will promote our shared mission of ensuring every child’s rights, wherever I am.” During her recent travels across the country, she encountered numerous challenges faced by children and women, which underscored the significant impact of UNICEF’s initiatives. She affirmed, “I am committed to doing my part for the children and youth of Pakistan, enabling them to dream and achieve those dreams.”
As UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador for child rights, Qamar will leverage her influential platform to elevate awareness about crucial issues affecting young people. Her advocacy will target several key areas, including child marriage, mental health, educational access, gender equality, climate change, and the grave consequences of violence, exploitation, and child poverty.
The issue of child marriage remains one of the most pressing barriers to realizing girls’ rights in Pakistan. Currently, the country is home to approximately 19 million child brides, placing it as the sixth highest globally.
Alarmingly, more than half of adolescent girls in Pakistan become pregnant before turning 18, posing significant health risks for both the mothers and their children. Without immediate intervention, UNICEF projects that it may take decades for Pakistan to effectively eliminate child marriage.
To combat this harmful practice, a comprehensive societal approach is essential. It is vital to safeguard both current and future generations of young girls, who represent a crucial but underutilized resource for the nation. Raising awareness and creating impactful policies can ensure that these girls have the opportunities they deserve.
Mr. Abdullah Fadil, the UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, welcomed Saba Qamar’s appointment, commending her as a courageous and influential advocate for women’s and girls’ rights.
He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating closely with her to address the pressing challenges facing children in Pakistan today. Together, they aim to enhance efforts to ensure that every child can achieve their full potential, embodying the mission of the UNICEF child rights ambassador in Pakistan.
This new role for Saba Qamar marks a pivotal moment in UNICEF’s ongoing commitment to protect and promote children’s rights throughout Pakistan. Her influence and dedication will play a crucial role in shining a light on the pressing issues affecting the youth of the nation, fostering an environment where every child can thrive and succeed.
Also Read: Saba Qamar: The Actress Who Cherishes Life’s Moments
