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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said the government is fully aware of its responsibilities in protecting the rights of children and providing them better facilities of life.

In a message on Universal Children’s Day being observed tomorrow (Nov 20th), President Zardari said the government was following the footsteps of its leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, who in her two terms as Prime Minister laid special emphasis on safeguarding the rights of children.

President Zardari said it was heartening to note that Pakistan joins the international community to celebrate the Universal Children’s Day with firm commitment and determination to accord high priority to safeguard rights of children.

He said Pakistan had the distinction of being one of the six initiator countries of the World Summit for Children 1990 with foresight and conviction.

“As a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC),Pakistan always remained in the forefront to advocate the child rights agenda and played a key role at regional and international levels to protect the rights of the child,” he said.

The President said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was the most affectionate caretaker of children. He raised the status of children in general and of the female children in particular.

He declared that all children are innocent and merciful and sympathetic attitude should be adopted towards them. Stressing public-private partnership, President Zardari called upon the voluntary indigenous philanthropy sector, international development partners, media, and corporate sector to come forward and play effective role for not only ending violence against children but also making the country a heaven for all.

He also appreciated the UN agencies and NGOs for their concerted efforts for continuously advocating and highlighting the child rights and child- related issues.