In the province of Sindh, special laws have been enacted for children, including:
Sindh Children Act, 1955
The Sindh Children Act, 1955 is a law that governs the protection, welfare, and rehabilitation of children in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The act provides for the establishment of juvenile courts and probation officers, and lays out procedures for the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by children. It also establishes institutions such as children’s homes and remand homes for the care and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and other vulnerable children. The law is aimed at ensuring that the rights and best interests of children are protected and promoted in the province.
Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011
The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 is a law in the Sindh province of Pakistan that establishes the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) as the leading government agency responsible for the protection of children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The SCPA is responsible for implementing policies and programmes to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, as well as providing support and services to children who have been affected. The act also establishes a Child Protection Unit . The act also provides for the establishment of Child Protection Committees at the district and tehsil level to monitor and ensure the implementation of the act.
Sindh Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2013
The Sindh Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2013 is a law in the Sindh province of Pakistan that guarantees the right to free and compulsory education for all children aged 5 to 16 years in the province. The act requires all children in this age group to attend school and makes it mandatory for the government to provide free education to all children in the province. The act also establishes the Sindh Education Foundation to manage and oversee the implementation of the act and to ensure that all children have access to quality education. The act also provides for the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that schools are providing quality education and that students are achieving the desired learning outcomes. Additionally, the act also includes provisions for the promotion of education in the mother tongue.
Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast Feeding and Child Nutrition Act, 2013
The Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act, 2013 is a law in the Sindh province of Pakistan that aims to promote and protect breastfeeding and improve child nutrition in the province. The act establishes the Sindh Child Nutrition Authority to oversee the implementation of the act and to develop policies and programs to promote breastfeeding and improve child nutrition. The act also makes it mandatory for all hospitals in the province to provide breastfeeding facilities and support to mothers and also for all public places to provide breastfeeding rooms. It also makes it illegal to advertise or sell breast milk substitutes in the province. The act also provides for the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that the provisions of the act are being implemented and that the nutritional status of children in the province is improving.
Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013
The Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013 is a law in the Sindh province of Pakistan that sets the minimum age of marriage for girls and boys at 18 years. The act criminalizes child marriage and makes it punishable by imprisonment and fines. The act also makes it mandatory for all marriage registrars to ensure that the bride and groom are above the minimum age of marriage before registering the marriage. The act is an effort to address the issue of child marriage, which is a common practice in Pakistan and has detrimental effects on the health, education, and well-being of children, particularly girls.
Sindh Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2016
The Sindh Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2016 is a law in the Sindh province of Pakistan that prohibits the use of corporal punishment in all schools, educational institutions, and care settings in the province. The act defines corporal punishment as any punishment that causes physical pain or harm to a child and includes practices such as hitting, caning, and whipping. The act also makes it mandatory for all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement alternative forms of discipline that are positive, non-violent, and child-centered. The act is an effort to address the issue of corporal punishment, which is a widespread practice in Pakistan and has detrimental effects on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of children.
Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017
The Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017 is a law in the province of Sindh, Pakistan that prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14. According to the Act, no establishment or factory could employ a child less than 14. They had to meet strict conditions before employing a child between 14 and 18. Children cannot work in any hazardous occupations.
Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018
The Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018 is a law in the province of Sindh, Pakistan that aims to promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The law provides for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life and prohibits discrimination against them. Some of the provisions of the law include:
- The provision of access to education, employment, and other services for persons with disabilities.
- The provision of accessibility in buildings and public places.
- The provision of sign language interpreters and other forms of assistance to persons with hearing and speech impairments.
The law also sets up a specific mechanism for the implementation of the act and for redress of complaints. The law aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and to ensure that their rights are protected.
National Laws
Kindly check national laws which also have jurisdiction in the province of Sindh.