UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a comprehensive human rights treaty that outlines the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. Ratified by Pakistan on November 12, 1990, the UNCRC includes Article 24, which specifically addresses the child’s right to health. This article obligates states to recognize the right of the child to the highest attainable standard of health and to ensure that no child is deprived of access to necessary health services. It also emphasizes the need for preventive healthcare, guidance for parents, and education on child health and nutrition.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR)
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), ratified by Pakistan on April 17, 2008, is a multilateral treaty that commits its parties to work toward granting economic, social, and cultural rights to individuals, including children. Article 12 of the CESCR specifically recognizes the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. This includes provisions for reducing infant mortality, improving environmental and industrial hygiene, preventing and treating diseases, and ensuring access to medical services and attention for all.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ratified by Pakistan on March 12, 1996, primarily focuses on women’s rights but also addresses health rights for girls and mothers, which indirectly affect children’s right to health. Key provisions include ensuring access to healthcare services, including family planning (Article 12), and addressing nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by Pakistan on July 5, 2011, aims to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Article 25 of the CRPD specifically ensures the right to health for persons with disabilities, including children. It mandates that state parties provide persons with disabilities with the same range, quality, and standard of free or affordable health services as provided to other persons. This includes access to gender-sensitive health services, health-related rehabilitation, and programs for early identification and intervention.
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), ratified by Pakistan on September 21, 1966, is dedicated to the elimination of racial discrimination and promoting equality among all races. Article 5(e)(iv) of CERD explicitly addresses the right to public health, medical care, social security, and social services without discrimination. This also means that children, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background, are entitled to equal access to healthcare services, ensuring their right to health is protected.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on November 3, 2004, joining a global effort to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health. The treaty aims to safeguard children from tobacco-related diseases through measures like regulations, awareness campaigns, and interventions. By ratifying the FCTC, Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation, public health priorities, and a tobacco-free future.
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, a landmark accord within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. Pakistan ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, signaling its commitment to combating climate change and protecting public health, especially children’s well-being. The agreement aims to limit global warming and mitigate climate-related health risks such as disease spread and access to clean air and water. By joining the agreement, Pakistan pledges to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance climate resilience, thus ensuring a safer and sustainable future for its youth and generations to come.
Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030)
The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030) represents a unified effort to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations worldwide. Though not legally binding, Pakistan actively supports this initiative within the United Nations Every Woman Every Child movement, aligning with its goal to eliminate preventable deaths and enhance healthcare access for women, children, and adolescents. By endorsing the strategy, Pakistan commits to integrating its policies and investments with the initiative’s objectives, striving to address systemic health challenges and social inequalities that disproportionately affect these groups.