PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: A Community-Based Child Protection Committee (CBCPC) has been established in Village Council Badezai under the Child-Friendly Communities (CFC) initiative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (CPWC) to strengthen child protection mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The committee was constituted during a broad-based community meeting held at Ghata Hujra, Mohallah Sheikhan Badezai which brought together local elders, youth, social workers, representatives of government and non-governmental organizations, and other community stakeholders.
The meeting aimed to enhance community ownership of child protection, promote children’s rights, and establish an effective local mechanism to ensure a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Child Protection Officer Naseem Iqbal briefed participants on the objectives of the Child-Friendly Communities project, the mandate of the Child Protection and Welfare Commission, the legal framework governing child protection, and the roles and responsibilities of Community-Based Child Protection Committees. He emphasized that active community participation is essential for effectively addressing child protection issues.
District Coordinator for the Child-Friendly Communities Project Haseeb Ullah Jan, highlighted the project’s integrated approach to strengthening child protection systems. He urged the newly formed committee to prioritize birth registration, describing it as a fundamental right that enables every child to obtain legal identity and access essential public services.
Former Chairman of Village Council Badezai Mansoor Khalil called upon the community to extend full support to the initiative, stressing that close collaboration between residents and relevant government institutions is vital for building a sustainable child protection system.
Social worker and media activist Farhan ullah also addressed the gathering, highlighting key challenges faced by children, existing service gaps, and the need for coordinated efforts among communities, government departments, and civil society organizations to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
At the conclusion of the meeting, two representatives from each Muhallah were elected to serve on the Community-Based Child Protection Committee. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and working collectively to create a safer and more protective environment for children in Village Council Badezai.
