In Pakistan, like many countries across the globe, menstruation is perceived as a shameful and private matter that is not meant to be discussed openly. Due to this culture of shame and secrecy, adolescent girls in Pakistan often lack accurate
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This policy brief focuses on the child protection needs and lived experiences of migrant and forcibly displaced children in Pakistan. It draws on recent research conducted by UNICEF Pakistan and UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight, in
The State of the World’s Children 2025 warns that global progress in reducing child poverty is slowing and risks reversal due to conflict, climate shocks, debt pressures and deep cuts in development aid. About 412 million children live in extreme
Forcibly displaced children and other child migrants are at higher risk of harmful practices and protection risks, including violence, family separation, human trafficking, increased child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), forced labour and psychosocial distress. In Pakistan, where nearly half of
The Gender Parity Report – Islamabad Capital Territory offers a detailed assessment of gender equality across justice, education, economy, health, and governance. While progress is visible in areas like female judicial representation and school enrolment, wide disparities remain in employment,
The Sindh Child Labour Survey 2022–23, based on data from nearly 57,000 households across 29 districts, provides a detailed view of children’s living conditions, schooling, and work. It finds that only two-thirds of children aged 5–17 attend school, with significant
Pakistan’s education sector showed steady progress between 2022–23 and 2023–24, with enrolment rising by 4.8% to 47.87 million and nearly one million fewer out-of-school children. Most gains were driven by girls, narrowing the gender gap, while provincial performance varied across
Religious minorities in Pakistan face structural discrimination and social exclusion that adversely affect their access to basic rights and services, including education, health, protection, and participation. Within these marginalized communities, children experience multiple layers of vulnerability due to poverty, social
The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) advanced major child protection reforms in 2024–2025, including the drafting of the Prohibition of Child Labour in Domestic Work Bill 2024 and advocacy for harmonizing the minimum marriage age at 18
The brick kiln industry in Pakistan continues to violate human rights, deeply affecting vulnerable groups such as women and children through bonded labour and exploitation. Despite legal measures and international commitments, these abuses persist, especially in Punjab, which has more