UN Treaties Ratified by Pakistan Dealing with Issues of Children

CRC – Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. It is a legally binding treaty that establishes the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all children, defined as persons under the age of 18.

The CRC covers a wide range of rights, including the right to survival and development, the right to education, the right to protection from violence and exploitation, and the right to participate in decisions that affect them. It also recognises the importance of family, cultural and community values for the well-being of children. The CRC recognises that children are entitled to special protection and care because of their vulnerability and dependency, and affirms that their rights must be respected and promoted without discrimination of any kind.

Countries that have ratified the CRC must report regularly to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on their progress in implementing the treaty. The Committee provides guidance and recommendations to countries on how they can better protect and promote children’s rights.

Recommended Reading: Pakistan’s Compliance to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

CRC-OP-AC – Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, 2000

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (CRC-OP-AC) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000. It is a supplementary treaty to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and aims to strengthen the protection of children in situations of armed conflict.

The CRC-OP-AC prohibits the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18 in armed conflict, and requires states to take measures to prevent such recruitment and use. It also requires states to take measures to ensure that the minimum age for voluntary recruitment into the armed forces is 18 years, and that any recruitment or use of children under the age of 18 is considered a war crime under international law.

The CRC-OP-AC also requires states to take measures to support the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of children who have been involved in armed conflict, and to provide them with access to education and vocational training. It also requires states to cooperate with each other in the implementation of the Protocol, including through the exchange of information and the provision of technical assistance.

CRC-OP-SC – Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, 2000

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (CRC-OP-SC) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000. It is a supplementary treaty to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and aims to strengthen the protection of children against exploitation and abuse.

The CRC-OP-SC obliges states to prohibit and criminalise the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. States must also take measures to prevent these crimes, provide assistance and support to child victims and prosecute perpetrators. The protocol also obliges states to cooperate in its implementation, including by exchanging information and providing technical assistance.

CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. It is often referred to as an international bill of Women’s Rights, as it describes the rights that women should enjoy and the measures that should be taken to ensure that these rights are upheld.

CEDAW defines discrimination against women as “any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.”

The Convention covers a wide range of issues related to gender equality, including political participation, education, employment, health care and access to justice. It also addresses issues such as gender-based violence and the stereotyping of women.

Countries that have ratified the CEDAW Convention must regularly report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) on the progress they have made in implementing the Convention. The Committee provides countries with recommendations and guidance on how to improve their efforts to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women.

CCPR – International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. Together with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), it is one of the two main international human rights treaties that together make up the International Bill of Human Rights.

The CCPR aims to promote and protect civil and political rights, including the right to life, liberty and security of the person, freedom of expression, assembly and association, the right to a fair trial and freedom from torture, slavery and arbitrary detention. It also affirms the right of all peoples to self-determination.

Countries that have ratified the CCPR are legally bound to protect and respect the rights contained therein. They are required to report regularly to the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) on their progress in implementing the Covenant. The HRC is a treaty-monitoring body that reviews states’ reports and also receives complaints from individuals or groups who claim to be victims of violations of their rights under the Covenant.

CAT – Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1984

The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984. The CAT aims to prevent torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world.

The CAT defines torture as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for purposes such as obtaining information or a confession, punishing or intimidating the person, or discriminating against them. The Convention prohibits the use of torture in all circumstances, including in times of war or national emergency.

The CAT requires states to take measures to prevent torture within their borders, to investigate and prosecute allegations of torture, and to provide victims with access to redress and compensation. The Convention also prohibits the extradition of persons to countries where they might face torture.

CERD – International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 1965

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965. CERD aims to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to promote understanding and tolerance between different races and cultures.

The CERD defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

CERD requires States to take measures to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to promote understanding and tolerance among different racial and ethnic groups. This includes measures to ensure equal access to education, housing, employment, health care and other services, as well as measures to combat hate speech and other forms of racial incitement.

Countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report regularly to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on their progress in implementing the treaty.

CESCR – International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. The CESCR aims to protect and promote economic, social and cultural rights throughout the world, including the right to work, the right to education, the right to health and the right to an adequate standard of living.

The CESCR recognises that economic, social and cultural rights are essential to the dignity and well-being of all people and must be protected without discrimination of any kind. The Covenant also recognises that States have the primary responsibility for the realisation of these rights and that international cooperation and assistance may be necessary to enable States to fulfil their obligations.

The Covenant obliges States to take measures to ensure the full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, including through the adoption of laws and policies, the provision of education and information, and the allocation of resources to meet social and economic needs. The Covenant also requires states to report regularly to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on their progress in implementing the treaty.

CRPD – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. The CRPD aims to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

The CRPD recognises that persons with disabilities are often excluded from full participation in society and are discriminated against because of their disability. The Convention aims to promote the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including by removing barriers to their participation, promoting accessibility and recognising their right to live independently and be included in the community.

The CRPD requires States to take measures to ensure the full realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities, including through the adoption of laws and policies, the provision of education and information, and the allocation of resources to meet their needs. The Convention also requires that States involve persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in the development and implementation of policies and programmes that affect their lives.

Countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report regularly to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on their progress in implementing the treaty.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a very important document in the history of human rights. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 in Paris, France.

The UDHR contains a preamble and 30 articles that set out the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled, regardless of race, gender, nationality or other status. These rights include civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to life, liberty and security of person, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to work and education and the right to participate in cultural life.

The UDHR is not legally binding, but it has been widely recognised as a statement of fundamental human rights and has served as the basis for the development of international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

ILO Conventions on Children Ratified by Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan has ratified two International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions related to child labour: Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Other ILO Conventions, including the Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105), which have been ratified by Pakistan, also apply to children. These conventions aim to protect individuals from all forms of forced labour, including forced or compulsory labour by children.

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

The ILO Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) is a treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that sets the minimum age for admission to employment or work. The Convention was adopted on June 26, 1973, and came into force on June 19, 1976. The convention requires ratifying countries to establish and enforce minimum age limits for employment, taking into account the particular conditions and needs of their economies and the sectors in which young workers are employed. Pakistan ratified this convention on 6 July 2006.

Under the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment or work is generally set at 15 years, subject to certain exceptions. Developing countries may initially allow employment at the age of 14, although this will be reviewed and adjusted over time. The Convention also requires that young workers be protected from hazardous work, i.e. work that may endanger their health, safety or morals or interfere with their education.

Ratifying countries are required to take measures to ensure that employers do not use false documents to circumvent the minimum age, and provide penalties for violations of the Convention. The Convention also requires ratifying countries to ensure that employed children receive adequate social protection and that measures are taken to prevent and eliminate child labour.

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)

The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) is an International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention adopted on 17 June, 1999, and entered into force on 19 November , 2000. It is a legally binding international agreement that requires ratifying countries to take immediate and effective measures to prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour. Pakistan ratified this convention on 11 October 2001.

The Convention defines the worst forms of child labour as follows:

• All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage, and serfdom.
• The use, procurement or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
• The use, procurement or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs.
• Work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children.

The Convention requires ratifying countries to take immediate and effective measures to prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including:

• Prohibiting and eliminating the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency.
• Providing appropriate penalties or sanctions for violations of the prohibition against the worst forms of child labour.
• Providing access to education, vocational training, and other forms of support for children who have been removed from the worst forms of child labour.
• Ensuring that children who are still engaged in work that is likely to harm their health, safety, or morals receive appropriate attention and support.

Read: Compliance of ILO Conventions by Pakistan