Standardized institutions vital for bright future of children
By Uzma Babar

ISLAMABAD—A ten-day training course on "Setting MinimumQuality Care Standards for Child Care Institutions" was concluded here Thursday.
The course was organized by National Commission for Child Welfare and Development (NCCWD) Ministry of Social Welfare in collaboration with Save the Children - UK to involve all concerned to set the minimum quality care standards for the protection and care of children in institutions and centres.
Additional Secretary Social Welfare Ministry Jalil Minhas was the chief guest on the occasion, while, Director NCCWD Muhammad Hassan Mangi, senior officials, representatives form Ministry of Social Welfare, Save the Children, UNICEF and NGOs were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the Jalil Minhas briefed the participants about the steps taken by the government for the welfare of children.
He said Social Welfare Ministry is the key institution for the welfare of children with a wide network of provincial and district level. Additional Secretary said the Ministry has also prepared National Plan of Action to ensure that childcare provision meets minimum standards in the line with the UC Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Earlier, the participants discussed various matters related to the rights of children. They were also agreed to set up the quality care standards for child care institutions guaranteed in the United Nations Convention for the welfare of children.
The consultation was a part of process adopted to deal with the concern about care and protection standards in all the residential arrangements for children. It is required that all the care providers must establish quality care standards as envisaged under the Islamic values, principles and international obligation under the United Nation Convention of the Rights of the Child.