Story
Pakistan ramps up Protected Areas
From the Himalayas to the deserts of Balochistan, to the mangroves of Sindh, Pakistan’s natural diversity is spellbinding, but it is also under threat.
Read more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan
Pakistan affirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda through a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016. Since then, the country has made considerable progress by mainstreaming these goals in national policies and strategies and developing an institutional framework for SDGs implementation in Pakistan. SDG support units have been established at federal and provincial levels with the planning institutions (Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Provincial Planning and Development Departments) to guide SDGs implementation and monitoring it progress. In 2018, the Government designed and approved a National SDGs Framework that envisages a national vision to prioritize and localize SDGs. Localized provincial SDG Frameworks are being formulated. The focus of the government is on mainstreaming SDGs in planning processes, ensuring strong monitoring and reporting on SDGs, ensuring public financial allocations are aligned to SDGs and alternate financing modalities are being explored, and to benefit from use of technology to accelerate progress towards SDGs.
Story
24 November 2020
Assisting Impoverished Marginalized Communities in Floods Ravaged Rural Sindh
It’s perturbing to see hundreds of women and children lining up to a water purification tanker with buckets and utensils to fetch clean drinking water for their families in Umerkot, Sindh. These families are waiting patiently for their circumstances to change as they battle all sorts of difficulties in accessing nutritious food, sanitation facilities, and even shelter. They have been left homeless by the unprecedented flooding in the province.
With the Pakistan government already grappling with the COVID-19 crisis, the Sindh flooding brought to fore even more challenges to act swiftly to support vulnerable households and strengthen their resilience.
Situation in Rural Sindh
The heavy rains in the monsoon season (about 3 times hugher than average) contributed to heart wrenching agony for the already marginalized groups in rural Sindh affecting more than 2.4 million people. The unofficial count may be more than 3 million. Gruesome scenes unfolded as whole families who managed to survive the floods were forced to leave their drowning possessions and find shelter on the side of the narrow broken roads- in the open air. There was little or no access to clean drinking water, food items, hygiene products, or basic facilities like toilets. The flooding not only left the populations barehanded, it also destroyed the major source of livelihoods for the next six months, their livestock and the cotton crop, just as it was ready for harvest, plunging them deeper into poverty.
While the media focus has mainly been on mainland Karachi and the flooding in relatively better off localities, the vulnerable minority communities in the rural south have borne the brunt of this calamity. South Eastern Sindh already has the lowest development indicators in Pakistan, at par with Balochistan and the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The floods happened during the COVID 19 pandemic and just as the cotton crop was to be harvested, which takes place twice a year. Cotton growing is an arrangement between landowners who provide the land in return for a tiny share of the harvest; smallholder farming families borrow finances to purchase seeds and fertiliser. The women from these families are the main harvesters, therefore they have been particularly affected by this shock. Men who tend to work as daily labourers in construction have been seeing their livelihoods significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic and the imposed public health restrictions (lockdowns, halt in construction, etc).
The men, women, elderly and children who managed to survive the floods have been sleeping under the open sky on the roads in makeshift shelters made of thin plastic tents forced to relocate every few days. Their homes, traditionally made of mud and thatched straw, have collapsed or have been severely damaged forcing them to stay on the streets, in the open, surrounded by flooded fields, without access to clean drinking water, with no toilet facilities and vulnerable to vector-borne diseases and other infections. Most people have lost a large part of their livestock and they are struggling to provide fodder for those animals that managed to survive.Chronic malnutrition and stunting is very visible. All the conditions are in place for high morbidity and an increase in mortality.
Response to the crisis
The United Nations in Pakistan has been supporting every effort of the Government in reaching the vulnerable populations that include ailing babies in urgent need of vaccination and life-savings medicines, at-risk populations to COVID-19 and other diseases like diarrhea, malaria and dengue.
While the government has been responding since the onset of the floods, the scale of the needs dwarfs the available resources. PDMA and NDMA assistance has been in the form of shelter with provision of tents- the most affected people cite shelter as their priority, along with food, water and mosquito nets.
As the UN Provincial Programme Team organised a Rapid Needs Assessment for 9 districts, WFP has distributed food rations for thousands of families; UNICEF and WHO have provided millions of water purifying tablets; WHO has provided bednets and medical supplies. The Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator has released the remaining USD 2.5 million of the Pakistan Humanitarian Pooled Fund. The additional USD 3 million from Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is being directed to strengthen the assistance efforts for food availability, empowering communities by distributing cash, water and sanitation facilities, as well as critical health interventions focusing on women and children..
Building back better
While there has been a provision of aid and support, both from the government, the UN and partners, the challenges remain colossal and enormous efforts are still needed to help an already vulnerable population. More needs to be done to ensure better risk management and ensuring that communities are better prepared and more resilient to future shocks. The road is long for recovery and rehabilitation, yet immediate action is necessary to prevent loss of life. The humanitarian community is currently working on a concerted Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 which will be augmenting the Government’s support to the vulnerable population while calling on other partners to ensure better mitigation of future shocks, provide more funding channeled to restore and repair infrastructure.
The UN in Pakistan is strongly committed to supporting the NDMA, the PDMA and other government authorities at Federal and Provincial levels to quantify the situation, raise awareness and support the response. The UN country team will continue to support immediate lifesaving activities focusing on food insecurity and health for vulnerable communities with a focus on women, minorities and the disabled.
1 of 3
Story
18 June 2020
Pakistan: Further desert locust damage forecast in coming agricultural seasons
The Government of Pakistan’s preliminary estimate of monetary losses due to desert locusts over the two coming agricultural seasons in 2020 and 2021 may range from US$3.4 billion to $10.21 billion.
Locust damage has significantly affected many farmers already, with further significant locust damage forecast at the end of summer.
In late January, the Government of Pakistan declared the desert locust a national emergency and set up the National Action Plan for Desert Locust Control and Surveillance and a high-level National Locust Control Centre.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is providing technical advice and procurement support to the Government for locust surveillance and control activities, including locust threat forecasts and control operation strategies.
FAO and the World Food Programme and partners, in coordination with the Government, will access needs in the worst-impacted districts, which have also experienced multiple shocks over the past 18 months, including drought, flash flooding, a cold wave and COVID-19.
The Government of Pakistan needs $372 million over the coming three years in additional funding to survey, control and recover from the locust damage.
FAO launched the Desert Locust Upsurge Global Response Plan 2020, which includes $12.5 million for Pakistan for crisis response, of which only $1.9 million has been funded.
More than 3 million people in Pakistan are facing severe acute food insecurity, with the situation particularly precarious in Balochistan.
It is estimated that approximately 34,000 households will need of emergency livelihood and food-security assistance due to crop losses. Many more people may be indirectly affected by crop losses leading to price rises in key commodities.
1 of 3
Story
16 June 2020
A Coordinated Response to Coronavirus
On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.”
The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. COVID-19 is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans.
This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit:
United Nations Covid-19 Response: https://www.un.org/coronavirus
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Latest news on the United Nations’ response: https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak
WHO guidance for countries: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
1 of 3
Story
30 May 2021
Pakistan ramps up Protected Areas
From the Himalayas in the north to the deserts of Balochistan in the west, to the mangroves of Sindh in the south, Pakistan’snatural diversity is spellbinding, but it is also under threat.
In 2018, only 12 per cent of the country was classed as an environmentally protected area. According to Bloomberg, it was one of the six countries in the world most at risk from climate change. The country had one of the lowest forest covers in the region, with only 5 per cent cover. This was compared to a global average of 31 per cent. This put the country at increased risk from environmental dangers such as flooding, melting glaciers and droughts.
However, change is underway. In 2020, Pakistan’s government launched the ‘Protected Area Initiative’ which aims to increase protected areas such as national parks, wetlands and wildlife reserves to 15 per cent of the country’s total area by 2023. In the last two years, protected area coverage has already increased to 13.9 per cent and further progress looks assured.
Pakistan is following a global trend, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) flagship report Protected Planet. Since 2010, 21 million km2of protected and conserved areas, or 42 per cent of the global total, has been added.
“Protected areas offer a range of environmental benefits – they safeguard biodiversity by protecting plant and animal habitats; protect against climate change by building resilience to natural disasters and providing carbon storage, and can help maintain food and water security,” said Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems division. “Their positive impact also extends to economies as protected areas can drive eco-tourism and create green jobs in developing countries.”
Sustainable Protected Areas
While the growth of protected areas is a welcome development, as the Pakistan government is aware, in order for them to be effective, the areas must be managed and controlled. While globally the target of 17 per cent of land protection has been met (Pakistan is behind the global average), less than 8 per cent, against a target of 10 per cent, of coastal and marine areas have been conserved.
Pakistan’s national parks date back to 1972 with the creation of Lal Suhanra, one of South Asia’s largest. Lal Suhanara is now one of Pakistan’s 31 parks which include desert, mountains, wetlands and coastal ecosystems. They are home to a wide array of species including the elusive and endangered snow leopard. However, many had fallen into disrepair and were parks and protected areas only in name. Part of the Protected Area Initiative is to ensure that these valuable environmental areas are operating and functional.
“It is key for Pakistan to not only increase the protected areas but to ensure that all areas that are protected are more than just paper parks. By this we mean they are fully functioning with community buy-in and staff to operate and protect them,” said Dr. Raja Omer, the Deputy Inspector General (Forests) in Pakistan.
In order to do this Pakistan is adding 7000 jobs to manage and work in the parks, a key boost after job losses due to COVID-19. UNEP’s Protected Planet Report 2020 finds that in order to be fully effective, jobs in protected areas must draw from and benefit the local communities and fully embrace women at all levels of planning and implementation.
“These jobs will ensure community buy-in and agency for the protected areas,” said Dr. Omer.
As Pakistan prepares to hold World Environment Day on June 5, in partnership with UNEP, the country continues to make positive progress. Last year Prime Minister Khan announced the creation of nine new National Parks and the rehabilitation of a further six. Pakistan aims to have at least seven of its national parks registered under the IUCN 'Green List of Protected Areas,' the gold standard for conservation.
“We have made good progress and we are confident we will meet our targets,” said Dr. Omer.
Story via UNEP
1 of 5
Story
19 May 2021
Pakistan restores mangroves for economy and ecosystem benefits
Tahir Qureshi had many nicknames. Father of the Mangroves. Mangrove Man. The mangrove hero of Pakistan. All reflect a life dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Pakistan’s mangroves.
As Pakistan prepares to host World Environment Day on June 5, ecosystem restoration, which includes critical ecosystems like mangrove forests, will be the focus. Mr Quershi, who sadly passed away in December 2020, played a key role in the development of mangrove restoration in Pakistan and will be fondly remembered at the event.
“He was a magnificent man. He understood the importance of mangroves in environmental conservation, he dedicated his life to them” said Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, the country representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) partner, “He literally planted millions of mangroves.”
Mangroves are also a central part of the Pakistan government’s ambitious ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’ drive. Led by Prime Minister Imran Khan and supported by UNEP, Pakistan has committed to planting 10 billion trees by 2023. Millions, if not billions, of these trees will be mangroves. By the end of June, this year one billion trees will have already been planted.
Ecosystem and economic benefits
Mangroves are one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems on the planet, without which, 39 per cent more people would be flooded annually. The IUCN estimates that mangroves provide exceptional carbon storage - three to five times that of tropical forests – and support livelihoods for over 120 million people globally. They are also home to more than 3,000 fish species are found in their ecosystem.
“Mangroves are an important tool in the fight against climate change. They reduce carbon in the atmosphere and they also make financial sense. Restoring mangroves is five times more cost effective than building ‘grey infrastructure’ such as flood walls, which also don’t help with climate change,” said Makkio Yashiro, regional ecosystems coordinator for UNEP.
But mangroves are under threat. Climate change, logging, agriculture, aquaculture, pollution and coastal development are all eroding their habitats. UNEP and partners found that over 67% of mangroves have been lost or degraded to date.
Restoring a critical ecosystem
Restoring mangroves helps support not only nature but also, economies. A hectare of mangroves is estimated to be worth between $33,000 and $57,000 per year. UNEP studies find that every dollar invested in mangrove restoration there is a benefit of four dollars. Simply put they are one of the most efficient, cost effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
In Pakistan, as well as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, organisations such as the IUCN have instigated a number of mangrove restoration projects. The IUCN has worked on projects including one with the Pakistani Navy to plant seven million mangrove plants and also public-private enterprises with Engro Elengy Terminal Private Limited (EETPL) in the Port Qasim area of Karachi.
As we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which will run from 2021 to 2030 and aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, mangroves have a key role to play in its success.
Story via UNEP
1 of 5
Story
10 December 2020
UNHCR’s skills project empowered refugee woman to earn at home amid coronavirus outbreak
QUETTA, 08 April 2020 – Saleema Habibullah, an Afghan refugee, has faced enormous struggles in her lifetime. Despite the tragic losses that she experienced, she leads a life free from fear and full of hope for the future, even in the most difficult of times.
“I was only twenty when all the men in my family where killed in a bombing incident in Quetta,” Saleema lamented. She described how her paternal uncle was so heart-broken that he died from a heart attack.
At the time, she fought for her family – a paralyzed aunt and cousin, whom were her only remaining relatives – by taking a bold step to leave her home and seek opportunities. Thanks to UNHCR’s Safe from the Start (SFS) programme, she learned new skills, such as embroidery, tailoring and kilim-making, and applies them daily.
The new skills enabled Saleema to become a master trainer at UNHCR’s programme being run by its partner. She has also established a centre at her house to provide skills to girls and run a small business. Saleema earns from the job and home-based business.
“Even at this challenging time, when the coronavirus outbreak has affected the country, I’m able to earn a decent living while staying at home,” she said.
Generously funded by the United States of America in 2019, the SFS is a livelihoods, hygiene and sexual violence awareness-raising project. Its aim is the economic empowerment of vulnerable women in the Afghan refugee community in Quetta.
Since the start of the programme in 2016, SFS trained 740 beneficiaries in marketable skills such as kilim and carpet weaving, tailoring, hand embroidery, machine embroidery as well as computer and English language courses (for literate beneficiaries).
All trainees participate in numeracy, literacy and health classes as well. A nursery is also available for young children accompanying their mothers during the day. Most of the beneficiaries are not only skilled artisans but aspiring female agents of change.
Originally from Kunduz in northern Afghanistan, Saleema could not continue her studies beyond primary school due to poverty. However, her life took a turn for the better when she got the opportunity to become a trainer with SFS. Today, she’s the sole bread winner in her family, paying off all of the heavy debt that they accumulated over time.
At first, her community didn’t respond well to her decision to pursue skills training. In fact, they didn’t even approve of a girl leaving the home, but Saleema stood firm against the frowning faces and unfriendly gestures. She kept working hard, learning new skills.
“Someday, I look forward to becoming a successful businesswoman,” mused Saleema. She says that women should be brave, lead prosperous lives and pursue their dreams.
By Humera Karim, UNHCR, Quetta, Pakistan
1 of 5
Story
09 December 2020
Social inclusion of vulnerable transgenders in times of COVID-19
Continuing with its commitment to ‘Leave No One Behind’, UNDP in Pakistan, with UNFPA’s support, conducted a rapid preliminary socio-economic assessment to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transgender persons living in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
This initiative is the first outcome of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) and UNDP Human Rights Taskforce on COVID-19 for collaboration on efforts through a human rights lens.
The assessment was conducted with representative sampling of 75 transgender persons (50 individuals in Rawalpindi and 25 in Islamabad), through transgender focal points of Islamabad and Rawalpindi— who are also members of the National Implementation Committee of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. The Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) was on board to ensure ownership from the government.
All geographical areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were a part of the assessment while the assessment itself was disaggregated along multiple categories including, but not limited to, key-informants’: age, disability if any, health status, pre-COVID19 employment/income generation capacity, residence, and any experience of Gender Based Violence (GBV)).
The sample-size was loosely based on Census 2017-18 findings[1] and in consultation with the trans-community, measuring at 50 key informants from Rawalpindi and 25 key informants from Islamabad-ICT. The findings of the assessmnet reveal serious socio-economic impact of the already marginalised communities of trangender persons; with limited mobility due to COVID-19, their earnings have declined considerably and they are facing issues of shelter, food and access to mandatory hygiene products such as masks, gloves and sanitizers.
National Consultation in 2018 on Political inclusion and Electoral participation of transgender community in Pakistan. © UNDP Pakistan/Shuja Hakim
The first assessment had the following findings and recommendations:
´ Trans-persons in the twin-cities have been gravely, disproportionately affected by socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
´ Measures to address the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic should consider the particular vulnerabilities of the trans-people, including older persons, those living with disabilities, compromised immune systems and the homeless, and ensure that trans-people are fully covered by relief to recovery packages and not rendered invisible or unheard at any stage.
´ All development partners, including decision-makers, must speak out against stigmatization and discrimination directed at the trans-people in the context of the pandemic.
´ Shelters, support services, and other measures to address gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and must take urgent steps to include the trans-population.
´ Measures restricting movement should provide protection for transgender and gender non-conforming persons. Law enforcement officials should be instructed and trained not to discriminate against this segment of the population.
The immediate needs identified through the assessment are:
The initial findings pointed out the challenges faced by the transgender community which includes:
´ Stigma and discrimination makes transgender people reluctant to disclose their health and socioeconomic status, and get help.
´ Transgender persons continue to experience discrimination from service providers and staff across the social protection and health care settings and social security safety nets – this leaves them poorer and more vulnerable in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.
´ Existing socio-economic marginalization and health conditions mean more of trans-persons live in a state of invisible multi-dimensional vulnerability and compromised health.
´ Transgender and non-binary persons living with hostile families under the current lockdown have to deal with stress and trauma, especially those who have recently come out as trans-persons, those who have recently undergone sex reassignment surgery or are taking hormones.
´ Most trans-persons are either living in temporary residences with other transgender persons in cramped-unsafe conditions or alone in locations other than their places of origin.
´ Most trans-community members are semi or poorly educated, therefore there are obvious and serious gaps in understanding written information and precautionary guidelines with regards to COVID-19. A community-based awareness mechanism should be introduced to educate them on COVID-19 prevention and response. This should be clubbed with the basic training on preparing cost-effective masks, disposing of masks and gloves, maintaining physical distance and keeping themselves safe in their personal spaces.
´ A group from this community has reported their unmet long-term medication needs which have been disrupted due to closure of OPDs in government hospitals. This requires urgent re-prioritisation of health services for those in need of chronic medical care.
The majority of trans-people have reported either none or limited funds available at their disposal to purchase basic necessities of life. Considering the uncertainty about ending the Corona Virus pandemic there is a dire need to look for alternative livelihood options for trans-people to enable them to earn their living.
MoHR with the support of UNDP in Pakistan and UNFPA Pakistan distributed Eid Relief Packages for COVID-19 affected transgender persons. © UNDP Pakistan/Shuja Hakim
In light of the assessment findings, UNDP with the support of UNFPA and in collaboration with Ministry of Human Rights will distribute assistance packages to the most vulnerable transgender persons living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
UNDP and MoHR have been collaborating for the past two years for effective implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. This is possible by social inclusion of transgender persons through capacity building, institutional and policy support. UNDP Pakistan is also supporting the establishment of the first ever protection centre for vulnerable transgender persons living in the twin cities with the support of UNFPA. Discussions are currently underway on the structure and setup of the centre with MoHR and UNFPA.
1 of 5
Story
07 December 2020
Empowering female police trainees and officers of Sindh and Motorway Police
Madiha Anjum is working as a staff officer in the morning at National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) and taking classes at the university in the evening. Growing up she never imagined that she would be able to join a profession like the Police while living in a social setup that didn’t give her the option to choose a career path on her own. “My brothers used to say that you are only allowed to be a teacher or do the kind of job that can be done from home. I always knew I was not meant for teaching,” she says.
Swimming against the tide, many female officers like Anjum are fighting battles, social and physical, to assimilate into a workforce that is as demanding as it is rewarding. Yet women are joining NH&MP at an increasing rate.
“The presence of female staff in Motorways Police is very important, especially as the number of female drivers has increased.” says Mehboob Aslam, DIG NH&MP, and Commandant of Training College NH&MP Sheikhupura.
As part of the force, female officers of the Motorways Police need proper training. Anjum who is originally from Faisalabad resides at the hostel premises of the college at Sheikhupura along with 50 other young trainees who come from all over Pakistan. They stay in hostels for months – hostels that are often housed in old buildings with leaking ceilings, badly maintained bathrooms with sewage problems, poor ventilation, cramped rooms without emergency exits which pose health and safety hazards. These young women have chosen this difficult profession, but the process becomes more difficult when they do not even get to have basic facilities in their hostels.
“I didn’t know anyone when I came to this place, but I am used to living here now. I strongly believe a comfortable living environment would have helped us adjust better,” says Kiran Sawera from Sukkur.
Anam Tahir, a Patrol Officer from Islamabad who is staying in the hostel, says that they have limited space in extremely tiny rooms and sometimes the hostel has to accommodate up to 100 trainees in a place not even meant for 50 people. The hostel is devoid of even the basic facilities. They do not have any space to study, receive guests or prepare hygienic and healthy food for themselves.
According to DIG Aslam, the training college was established in 1992 and the female hostel has not been touched since that time which means the building is in a dilapidated condition. He indicated that the hostel building is dangerous and in the event of an earthquake or a natural disaster it could even be destroyed. “We are in dire need of a better hostel facility for the women,” he says. Women’s participation in public sector jobs in Pakistan has been hindered due to several factors, including the lack of a women-friendly work environment, unequal access to professional opportunities, gender disparity in educational and professional development and socio-cultural issues. While the Government of Pakistan has set a 10% quota for women in the police force, the current percentage of women in the police force remains below 2%, despite the government’s efforts to increase female representation. In addition, most of these women are at constable level, with very few in superintendent positions.
Things are poised to get better for these female officers. Maria Batool, who has been a Patrol Officer at NH&MP for the last three years, says that she admires the struggles of women who became part of the forces decades ago despite the huge stigma associated with joining the police department. Those women paved the way for the younger generation like her and created a space for them to join this profession. She recalls how the presence of women used to bother male colleagues in Motorways Police. “Now, they don’t stop their conversations when we go near them because they know that we are part of their department and we will remain with them whether they want us to or not,” she says. “Females are now a major part of society and they cannot be kept at home forcefully. People have to accept us and they are because they are acknowledging our presence and admiring our work,” she adds. Keeping in view the problems faced by working women in the police department, UNOPS will construct hostels for female police trainees as part of the Infrastructure for Gender Equality in Police project. The aim of the project was to enhance gender equality in the police by expanding accommodation facilities and creating an enabling environment for female police personnel.
The project is being implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State (INL), Sindh Police and National Highways and Motorway Police. Four housing facilities will be built under this project: a hostel at the NH&MP Training College in Sheikhupura for 100 female recruits, two hostels at the Police Training College Saeedabad in Karachi for 220 female recruits, and a hostel at the Police Training College Shahdadpur in District Sanghar for 120 female recruits.
The direct beneficiaries of this project will include new female recruits, female trainers, and in-service policewomen who come to these colleges to attend mandatory promotional courses. UNOPS Pakistan Project Manager, Nauman Amin, says he is proud to lead the project. “This project will not only provide a dignified and comfortable living space to women police officers and trainees, but also encourage women to join the department,” he says. The design and construction of these multi-story buildings will be completed by UNOPS to provide sustainable and resilient infrastructure which caters to the needs of the female officers. Once the project is completed, an expected outcome would be gender responsive rule of law through an increased presence of women in law enforcement agencies. UNOPS believes in gender mainstreaming and through this strategy, addresses the need for making the experiences of women as well as men, an integral dimension of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and projects. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality.
There are high hopes attached to this project as it will encourage more women to join law enforcement agencies. “We have come a long way. We wear uniforms and walk without any fear. Our parents do not feel ashamed and we are proud of it,” says Batool.
Swimming against the tide, many female officers like Anjum are fighting battles, social and physical, to assimilate into a workforce that is as demanding as it is rewarding. Yet women are joining NH&MP at an increasing rate.
“The presence of female staff in Motorways Police is very important, especially as the number of female drivers has increased.” says Mehboob Aslam, DIG NH&MP, and Commandant of Training College NH&MP Sheikhupura.
As part of the force, female officers of the Motorways Police need proper training. Anjum who is originally from Faisalabad resides at the hostel premises of the college at Sheikhupura along with 50 other young trainees who come from all over Pakistan. They stay in hostels for months – hostels that are often housed in old buildings with leaking ceilings, badly maintained bathrooms with sewage problems, poor ventilation, cramped rooms without emergency exits which pose health and safety hazards. These young women have chosen this difficult profession, but the process becomes more difficult when they do not even get to have basic facilities in their hostels.
“I didn’t know anyone when I came to this place, but I am used to living here now. I strongly believe a comfortable living environment would have helped us adjust better,” says Kiran Sawera from Sukkur.
Anam Tahir, a Patrol Officer from Islamabad who is staying in the hostel, says that they have limited space in extremely tiny rooms and sometimes the hostel has to accommodate up to 100 trainees in a place not even meant for 50 people. The hostel is devoid of even the basic facilities. They do not have any space to study, receive guests or prepare hygienic and healthy food for themselves.
According to DIG Aslam, the training college was established in 1992 and the female hostel has not been touched since that time which means the building is in a dilapidated condition. He indicated that the hostel building is dangerous and in the event of an earthquake or a natural disaster it could even be destroyed. “We are in dire need of a better hostel facility for the women,” he says. Women’s participation in public sector jobs in Pakistan has been hindered due to several factors, including the lack of a women-friendly work environment, unequal access to professional opportunities, gender disparity in educational and professional development and socio-cultural issues. While the Government of Pakistan has set a 10% quota for women in the police force, the current percentage of women in the police force remains below 2%, despite the government’s efforts to increase female representation. In addition, most of these women are at constable level, with very few in superintendent positions.
Things are poised to get better for these female officers. Maria Batool, who has been a Patrol Officer at NH&MP for the last three years, says that she admires the struggles of women who became part of the forces decades ago despite the huge stigma associated with joining the police department. Those women paved the way for the younger generation like her and created a space for them to join this profession. She recalls how the presence of women used to bother male colleagues in Motorways Police. “Now, they don’t stop their conversations when we go near them because they know that we are part of their department and we will remain with them whether they want us to or not,” she says. “Females are now a major part of society and they cannot be kept at home forcefully. People have to accept us and they are because they are acknowledging our presence and admiring our work,” she adds. Keeping in view the problems faced by working women in the police department, UNOPS will construct hostels for female police trainees as part of the Infrastructure for Gender Equality in Police project. The aim of the project was to enhance gender equality in the police by expanding accommodation facilities and creating an enabling environment for female police personnel.
The project is being implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State (INL), Sindh Police and National Highways and Motorway Police. Four housing facilities will be built under this project: a hostel at the NH&MP Training College in Sheikhupura for 100 female recruits, two hostels at the Police Training College Saeedabad in Karachi for 220 female recruits, and a hostel at the Police Training College Shahdadpur in District Sanghar for 120 female recruits.
The direct beneficiaries of this project will include new female recruits, female trainers, and in-service policewomen who come to these colleges to attend mandatory promotional courses. UNOPS Pakistan Project Manager, Nauman Amin, says he is proud to lead the project. “This project will not only provide a dignified and comfortable living space to women police officers and trainees, but also encourage women to join the department,” he says. The design and construction of these multi-story buildings will be completed by UNOPS to provide sustainable and resilient infrastructure which caters to the needs of the female officers. Once the project is completed, an expected outcome would be gender responsive rule of law through an increased presence of women in law enforcement agencies. UNOPS believes in gender mainstreaming and through this strategy, addresses the need for making the experiences of women as well as men, an integral dimension of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and projects. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality.
There are high hopes attached to this project as it will encourage more women to join law enforcement agencies. “We have come a long way. We wear uniforms and walk without any fear. Our parents do not feel ashamed and we are proud of it,” says Batool.
1 of 5
Press Release
05 August 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 5 Aug 2021
WFP
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA AND WFP PROVIDE CASH ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES OF 16,000 ADOLESCENT GIRL STUDENTS
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Elementary & Secondary Education Department (E&SED) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are working together to provide cash assistance to families of adolescent girls hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since September 2020, more than 16,000 adolescent girl students between grade 6 to 10 in 232 government girls’ middle and high schools in all seven Newly Merged Districts and six sub-divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Educating every child especially girl is a key priority of the provincial government. We are pleased to implement this pilot project with the support of the World Food Programme. Together, we hope this large-scale cash stipend programme can reach every enrolled adolescent girl to help them and their families meet their food and nutrition needs during this challenging time of COVID-19,” said the Secretary Education, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children. Socio-cultural and economic factors, along with challenges such as limited availability of schools hamper the access and retention of adolescent girls in schools. This situation has been exacerbated by additional economic hardship brought on by the pandemic.
“Secondary-level education rates of girl students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are among the lowest in the country. WFP introduced the cash-based assistance as a safety net to not only help the families cope with the economic downturns of the pandemic, but also encourage parents to send their girls to school and make sure they stay in school. By doing so, we contribute to the health and development of adolescent girls today, and a build brighter future for them and their country tomorrow,” said Chris Kaye, WFP Pakistan Country Director.
In addition to the cash assistance, WFP has donated IT equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand washing stations with soap, as well as nutrition and education booklets and leaflets, and awareness banners to the Education Department to help its staff, teachers and students stay safe from COVID-19.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on Twitter @WFPPakistan
For more information please contact:
Ms. Mahira Afzal, Communications Officer, WFP/ Islamabad, Mob. +92 300 8559 333, Email: mahira.afzal@wfp.org
1 of 5
Press Release
30 July 2021
Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 30 July 2021
UNICEF
PRESS RELEASE
Google.org contributes USD7.5 Million in grants and other support to COVID-19 relief efforts in Pakistan and five Asian countries
Pakistan, July 30, 2021: With Pakistan and other Southeast Asian countries currently grappling with a surge in COVID-19 cases, Google today announced a total commitment of USD$7.5 million in new grant funding and other support to help alleviate the current pandemic crisis.
As part of this new commitment, Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing a USD$1.5 million grant to UNICEF to support urgent COVID-19 response needs across five countries including Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. With this grant, UNICEF will deploy female vaccinators in Covid Vaccination Centers to increase the number of women being vaccinated and boost vaccine communication in Pakistan. UNICEF will also continue to support governments and communities to control the spread of the virus and reduce the number of deaths including by, including by enhancing preparedness for possible future waves of COVID-19.
Announcing these new commitments, Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan said, “The current surge in COVID-19 cases is causing immense pressure on our healthcare system, and this Google.org grant to UNICEF aims to deepen our support for Pakistan at this critical time. We’ll also continue to focus on ensuring timely access to information, as well as tools for all Pakistanis to stay informed, connected and safe during this crisis.”
“We are grateful for Google.org’s contribution to UNICEF as we continue to respond tirelessly to the global pandemic by providing fair access to COVID-19 vaccines and services to target populations with a focus on the most vulnerable,” said Karin Hulshof, Regional Director, UNICEF, East Asia and the Pacific. “Only a truly global response can protect and secure the future of every child and the communities in which they live, and we will continue working with our partners and lean on them for their expertise, innovative solutions and flexible funding to help minimize the impact in the region and beyond.” she added.
Beyond this grant to UNICEF, Google.org is also providing an additional USD$1 million to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to address the urgent need of oxygen supplies and medical equipment in Indonesia. In addition, Google.org will provide USD$5 million worth of Ad Grants to local government agencies and organizations across Southeast Asia, including Pakistan, to run public health information campaigns for free. Since last year, Google has provided over USD$27 million in Ad Grants to support local governments including the World Health Organization who served over 343 million public service announcements (PSAs) to reach audiences with messages on how to stay safe and facts about vaccines.
Since the start of the pandemic, Google.org has also funded vaccine distributions in Asia and across the world through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Google has also focused its efforts in ensuring that information serves everyone in Pakistan through its tools and products. For example, Google previously gave ad grants to help the Government of Pakistan provide critical information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other measures to help local communities. Google has also surfaced the latest updates and health advice from Pakistani health authorities across Search, Maps and YouTube in Urdu and English. And during Ramadan in 2020 and 2021, the company supported a PTV live stream broadcast of Tarawih prayers on YouTube, facilitating observance of an important religious event with enhanced public health and safety measures.
###
گوگل کا پاکستان اور دیگر پانچ ایشیائی ممالک کے
لیے کووڈ 19- کے ریلیف کی کوششوں کے لیے 7.5 ملین
امریکی ڈالرز کا اعلان
پاکستان، 30 جولائی،:2021 پاکستان سمیت دیگر ایسے جنوبی ایشیا ئی ممالک جو ا س وقت کو و ڈ 19-
(COVID-19) کے کیسوں میں اضافے کی زد میں ہیں، گوگل نے کل 7.5 ملین امریکی ڈالرز کی نئی
گرانٹ فنڈنگ اور دیگر اقسام کی معاونت کا اعلان کیا ہے تاکہ وبا کا موجودہ بحران ختم کیا جا سکے۔
اپنے اس نئے عزم کے جزو کے طور پر، گوگل کا انسان دوست ادارہ Google.org یونیسف)UNICEF(
کو بھی 1.5 ملین امریکی ڈالرز کی گرانٹ فراہم کرے گا تاکہ پاکستان، تھائی لینڈ، ملائیشیا، ویتنام اور
فلپائن سمیت پانچ ممالک میں کو و ڈ 19- کے لیے درکار فوری جوابی معاونت فراہم کی جا سکے۔ اس
گرانٹ کے ذریعے،یونیسیف کووڈ ویکسی نیشن سینٹرز میں خواتین ویکسینیٹرزتعینات کرے گا تاکہ
پاکستان میں ویکسین لگانے والی خواتین کی تعداد میں اضافہ کیا جا سکے اور ویکسین کمیونیکیشن کو
فروغ دیا جاسکے۔ یونیسیف، وائرس کے پھیلاؤکو روکنے اور مستقبل میں آنے والی کو وڈ 19- کی نئی
لہروں سے ہونے والی ممکنہ اموات میں کمی کی غرض سے حکومتوں اور کمیونٹیز کی مدد بھی
جاری رکھے گا۔
ا ن نئے وعدوں کا اعلان کرتے ہوئے گوگل کے کنٹری ڈائریکٹر برائے پاکستان، فرحان قریشی نے
کہا:”کو و ڈ 19- کے کیسوں میں حالیہ اضافہ ہمارے ہیلتھ کیئر سسٹم پر غیر معمولی دباؤکا باعث بن رہا
ہیاور Google.org کی جانب سے یونیسیف کے لیے ا س گرانٹ کا مقصد،ایسے نازک وقت میں،
پاکستان کے لیے ہماری اعانت میں مزید اضافہ کرنا ہے۔ ہم معلومات کی بروقت فراہمی اور تمام ٹولز
کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے پر اپنی توجہ مرکوز رکھیں گے تاکہ تمام پاکستانی باخبر رہیں، مربوط رہیں
اور،اس بحران میں، محفوظ رہیں۔
“
مشرقی ایشیا اور بحرالکاہل کے لیے یونیسیف کی ریجنل ڈائریکٹر، کیرن ہلشوف نے کہا:”ہم
Google.org کی جانب سے یونیسیف کے لییامداد کی فراہمی پر شکرگزار ہیں کیوں کہ ہم ٹارگٹ
آبادی کی کووڈ 19- کی ویکسین تک منصفانہ رسائی اور خدمات تک فراہمی کی صورت میں عالمی وبا
کے خلاف انتھک کوششیں جاری رکھے ہوئے ہیں اورجس میں سب سے زیادہ توجہ کمزور طبقوں پر
ہے۔”کیرن نے مزید کہا:”صرف ایک حقیقی عالمی رد عمل ہی ہر بچے اور ا ن کمیونٹیز کے مستقبل کو
محفوظ اور مامون بنا سکتا ہے جہاں ہم رہتے ہیں۔ ہم اپنے پارٹنرز کے ساتھ کام کرتے رہیں گے
اور ا ن کی مہارتوں، جدید سولوشنز اور لچکدار فنڈنگ سے فائدہ اٹھاتے رہیں گے تاکہ خطے میں اور
ا س کے باہر بھی وبا کے اثرات کم سے کم کرنے میں مدد فراہم کر سکیں۔
“
یونیسف کے لیے اس گرانٹ کے علاوہ، Google.org انٹرنیشنل فیڈریشن آف ریڈ کراس اینڈ ریڈ کریسنٹ
سوسائٹیز (IFRC) کو بھی 1.0 ملین امریکی ڈالرز کی اضافی امداد فراہم کررہا ہے تاکہ انڈونیشیا میں
آکسیجن اور طبی آلات کی فوری فراہمی ممکن ہو سکے۔ اس کے علاوہ، Google.org ، پاکستان سمیت،
پورے جنوبی مشرقی ایشیامیں مقامی سرکاری اداروں اور تنظیموں کو بھی 5.0 ملین امریکی ڈالرز کی
ا یڈ گرانٹس دے رہا ہے تاکہ وہ عوامی صحت کے بارے میں معلوماتی کیمپینز مفت چلا سکیں۔ گزشتہ
برس سے اب تک، گوگل نے عالمی ادارۂ صحت سمیت مقامی حکومتوں کو 27 ملین امریکی ڈالرز
سے زیادہ کی ا یڈ گرانٹس فراہم کی ہیں جو 343 ملین پبلک سروس اعلانات (PSAs) چلا چکے ہیں تاکہ
سامعین تک یہ پیغامات پہنچائے جا سکیں کہ ویکیسن کے بارے میں حقائق کی فراہمی کے علاوہ یہ
پیغام کہ وہ کس طرح محفوظ رہ سکتے ہیں۔
وبا کے آغاز سے اب تک، Google.org نے ویکسین الائنس، Gavi ،کے ذریعے ایشیا اور پوری دنیا میں
ویکسین کی تقسیم کیلیے فنڈز فراہم کیے ہیں۔ گوگل اپنی توجہ ا س بات کو یقینی بنانے پر مرکوز کیے
ہوئے ہے کہ وہ اپنے ٹولز اور پروڈکٹس کے ذریعے پاکستان میں ہر شخص تک معلومات پہنچا سکے۔
ا س سیقبل،مثال کے طور پر،گوگل نے کو و ڈ 19- کے پھیلاؤسے محفوظ رہنے کیلیے اہم معلومات
اور دیگر اقدامات کے بارے میں مقامی کمیونٹیز کی مدد کی غرض سے حکومت پاکستان کو ا یڈ
گرانٹس دی تھیں۔ گوگل نے سرچ، میپس اور یو ٹیوب کے ذریعے اردو اور انگریزی زبانوں میں
پاکستانی صحت کے حکام سے حاصل ہونے والے تازہ ترین اپ ڈیٹس اور ہیلتھ ایڈوائس بھی فراہم کیں
تھیں۔ ا س کے علاوہ سنہ 2020 ء اور 2021 ء کے رمضان میں کمپنی نے نماز تراویح کے لییپی ٹی وی
کی لائیو اسٹریم یو ٹیوب پر نشر کی اور ا س طرح اہم دینی ایونٹ کی انجام دہی میں اضافی پبلک ہیلتھ
اور تحفظ کے اقدامات کے ساتھ مدد کی۔
##
About Google.org Google.org, Google's philanthropy, supports nonprofits that address humanitarian issues and apply scalable, data-driven innovation to solving the world's biggest challenges. We accelerate their progress by connecting them with a unique blend of support that includes funding, products, and technical expertise from Google volunteers. We engage with these believers-turned-doers who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. We want a world that works for everyone—and we believe technology and innovation can move the needle in four key areas: education, economic opportunity, inclusion and crisis response. About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.unicef.org/coronavirus. Find out more about UNICEF’s work on the COVID-19 vaccines here, or about UNICEF’s work on immunization here. Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
For Media Queries:
Syntax Communications
Ahmed Affan: ahmed.affan@syntaxcommunications.com
Faisal Mushtaq: 0321-2431568
Sheeraz Mohiuddin: 0333-223577__
1 of 5
Press Release
30 July 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 30 July 2021
UNODC
Statement of the Executive Director
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Statement of the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Ghada Waly
Each and every victim of trafficking in persons has a story we should listen to. Victims’ voices are key to preventing trafficking, supporting survivors, and bringing perpetrators to justice. Traffickers choose their victims from among the vulnerable, exploiting desperation and lack of awareness. The majority of those targeted are people in economic need who are misled. Almost two-thirds of detected victims are women and girls, and the share of children has tripled in the last 15 years. But despite their real and perceived vulnerabilities, survivors of trafficking are examples of strength, courage, and resilience.
On this year’s World Day against Trafficking in Persons, I salute victims as they rebuild their own lives and help protect those of others. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has launched a campaign titled Victims’ Voices Lead the Way’ to put a spotlight on victims’ untold stories, and on their roles in the fight against trafficking. Member States must engage, listen, and learn from survivors, and support victim-led organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened vulnerabilities to trafficking, making victims’ contributions more critical than ever.
At UNODC, we continue to assist countries and all stakeholders in implementing the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and in developing victim-centred approaches. Through the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, we also provide essential support to victims, and help empower them as part of the response. I thank our partners who have contributed to the Fund and call on all Member States to support it.
I also call on you to join our campaign, and to share and amplify victims’ stories. Inspired and guided by the resilience of those who survived, we can build the resilience of our societies to trafficking in persons, help prevent and alleviate suffering, end impunity, and achieve justice.
***
UNODC
PRESS RELEASE
“Victim’s Voices Lead the Way”
World Day against Trafficking in Persons – Pakistan: 30 July 2021, Islamabad
Under the EU funded Global Action to Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT – Asia and the Middle East), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), commemorated World Day against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency during a seminar held on Friday 30 July 2021 from 9.30- 13.45 at Serena hotel, Islamabad.
“Victim’s Voices Lead the Way” is this year’s World Day against TIP theme. It’s a theme that puts victims of human trafficking at the centre and highlights the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking and the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their road to rehabilitation.
During the commemoration seminar, key messages from survivors of trafficking and other relevant stakeholders were highlighted. The event also presented the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling (2021-2025) adopted by the Government which provides a comprehensive coordination framework for all stakeholders tasked with addressing Trafficking in Persons.
During his welcome remarks, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative UNODC Country Office Pakistan said that, “The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is committed to advancing action to bring traffickers to justice while protecting and supporting their victims. The rights of victims must come first – be they the victims of traffickers, smugglers, or of modern forms of slavery or exploitation”.
He further said that: “Almost every country has national human trafficking laws, yet people continue to be trafficked – most of them, women, and girls. We welcome the progress made by Pakistan, in particular the Federal Investigation Agency, in tackling human trafficking, through implementing the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018 and its rules, and the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking and migrants smuggling (2021-2025)”.
Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centred and effective approach in combating human trafficking.
The Director General FIA, Sanaullah Abbasi, during his speech said that: “FIA and UNODC have been partners for more than a decade to curb human trafficking and migrants smuggling. Through this partnership we have achieved many goals including the enactment of laws on TIP and Smuggling of Migrants in 2018. The partnership will further help FIA to build its capacity to fight the menace of human trafficking”.
The seminar was attended by the senior representatives of FIA, UNODC, the European Union, Provincial Social Welfare and Labour departments, provincial police, representatives from federal ministries including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and ICMPD.
The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants – Asia and the Middle East (GLO.ACT-Asia and the Middle East) is a four-year (2018-2022), €12 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in up to five countries: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (Afghanistan), Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R. of Iran), Republic of Iraq (Iraq), Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Pakistan). GLO.ACT-Bangladesh is a parallel initiative also financed by the EU and implemented with IOM.
The project builds on a global community of practice set in motion in GLO.ACT 2015-2019 and assists governmental authorities and civil society organizations in targeted, innovative, and demand-driven interventions: sustaining effective strategy and policy development, legislative review and harmonization, capability development, and regional and trans-regional cooperation. The project also provides direct assistance to victims of human trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and protection mechanisms. The project is fully committed to mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality considerations across all of its activities.
The project is funded by the European Union.
*****END*****
For more information, please contact:
Shahida Gillani, National Project Officer
Email: Shahida.gillani@un.org
For more information, please visit:
GLO.ACT - Asia and Middle East
Email: glo.act@un.org
Twitter: @glo_act
Nation-wide awareness-raising campaign in Pakistan, please like and share:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNODCCOPAK.GloAct/
Twitter: @GLOACTPakistan
For further information, please contact:-
Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org
***
’’متاثرین کی آواز مشعل راہ ہے‘‘
انسانی تجارت کے خلاف عالمی دن – پاکستان، 30 جولائی 2021، اسلام آباد
انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ سے نمٹنے کے لیے یوروپی یونین کے مالی تعاون سے چلائے جانے والے گلوبل ایکشن (GLO.ACT - ایشیا اور مشرق وسطی) کے تحت اقوام متحدہ کے دفتر برائے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی) نے وفاقی تحقیقاتی ایجنسی کے تعاون سے انسانی تجارت کے خلاف عالمی دن منایا اور اس سلسلے میں سیرینا ہوٹل ، اسلام آباد میں جمعہ 30 جولائی 2021 ء کو 9.30تا 13.45 ایک سیمینارکا انعقاد کیا گیا۔
اس سال انسانی تجارت کے خلاف عالمی دن کا مرکزی خیال ’’متاثرین کی آواز مشعل راہ ہے‘‘ رکھا گیا جو انسانی تجارت کے متاثرین کو مرکزِ نگاہ بناتا ہے اور اس سے بچ جانے والوں کے تجربات کو سننے اور ان سے سیکھنے کی اہمیت کو اجاگر کرتا ہے، اور اس ساتھ ہی ساتھ اس جرم کے انسداد، متاثرین کو شناخت کرنے اور انہیں بچانے اور بحالی میں انہیں سہارا فراہم کرنے کے لیے موثر اقدامات وضع کرنے کے حوالے سے ان کے اہم کردار کو بھی واضح کرتا ہے۔
اس یادگاری سیمینار کے دوران انسانی تجارت سے بچ جانے والے افراد اور دیگر متعلقہ اسٹیک ہولڈرز کے کلیدی پیغامات کو اجاگر کیا گیا۔ مذکورہ تقریب میں انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ سے نمٹنے کے لیے حکومت کا منظور کردہ نیشنل ایکشن پلان(2025 – 2021) بھی پیش کیا گیا جو انسانی تجارت سے نمٹنے والے تمام اسٹیک ہولڈرز کے لیے ایک جامع رابطہ کاری کا فریم ورک فراہم کرے گا۔
ڈاکٹر جیریمی میلسم ، نمائندہ یو این او ڈی سی کنٹری آفس پاکستان اپنےافتتاحی کلمات کے دوران کہا کہ "اقوام متحدہ کے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم کا دفتر ایسے متاثرین کو تحفظ اور معاونت فراہم کرتے ہوئے انسانی تجارت کے اسمگلروں کو انصاف کے کٹہرے میں لانے کی کارروائی کرنے کے لیے پُر عزم ہے۔ متاثرین کے حقوق کو سب سے پہلے اہمیت دینی چاہیےخواہ وہ انسانی تجارت کے اسمگلروں سے متاثر ہوں یا غلامی یا استحصال کی جدید اقسام کے شکار ہوں۔"
انہوں نے مزیدیہ کہا کہ"تقریباً ہر ملک میں انسانی تجارت کے قومی قوانین موجود ہیں لیکن پھر بھی لوگوں کو اسمگلنگ کیا جاتا ہے جن میں سے اکثر خواتین اور لڑکیاں شامل ہوتی ہیں۔ انسانی تجارت کی روک تھام کے ایکٹ 2018اور اس کے قواعد کے علاوہ انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ سے نمٹنے کےلیے نیشنل ایکشن پلان(2021-2025)پر عمل درآمد کے ذریعے پاکستان خصوصاً وفاقی تحقیقات ادارہ کی طرف سے کی جانے والی پیشرفت کا ہم خیرمقدم کرتے ہیں۔"
متاثرین کے مشاہدات سے سیکھنے اور ان کی تجاویز کو ٹھوس کارروائیوں میں ڈھالنے سے انسانی تجارت کے خلاف لڑنے کے لیے ایک ایسا لائحہ عمل میسر آئے گا جو موثر ہو گا اور جس میں متاثرین مرکز نگاہ ہوں گے۔
ایف آئی اے کے ڈائریکٹر جنرل ثنا اللہ عباسی نے اس موقع پر بات کرتے ہوئےکہاکہ"ایف آئی اے اور اقوام متحدہ کا آفس برائے انسداد منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی) انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ کے تدارک کے لیے تقریباً ایک دہائی سے شراکت داروں کے طور پر کام کر رہے ہیں۔ اس شراکت داری کے ذریعے ہم نے کئی اہم اہداف حاصل کیے ہیں جس میں 2018 میں انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ کے حوالے سے کی جانے والی قانون سازی بھی شامل ہے۔ یہ شراکت داری ایف آئی اے کو انسانی تجارت کے عفریت سے نمٹنے کے لیے اپنی صلاحیت کو مضبوط بنانے میں مدد دے گی۔"
اس سیمینار میں ایف آئی اے، اقوام متحدہ کے دفتربرائے انسداد منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی)، یورپی یونین، صوبائی سوشل ویلفیئر اور لیبر ڈیپارٹمنٹس، صوبائی پولیس، وفاقی وزارتوں، بشمول وزارت داخلہ، وزارت سمندر پار پاکستانیز اور انسانی وسائل کی ترقی اور آئی سی ایم پی ڈی کے نمائندگان نے بھر پورشرکت کی۔
انسانی تجارت اور مہاجرین کی اسمگلنگ –ایشیا اور مشرق وسطیٰ (جی ایل او۔ ایکٹ – ایشیا اور مشرق وسطیٰ) کے خلاف عالمی ایکشن پلان 12 ملین یورو کا یورپی یونین (ای یو) اور اقوام متحدہ کے دفتر برائے انسداد منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی) کا چار سالہ (2022- 2018) مشترکہ منصوبہ ہےجس کا اطلاق انسانی ہجرت کی بین الاقوامی تنظیم (آئی او ایم) کی شراکت سے دنیا کے پانچ ممالک، اسلامی جمہوریہ افغانستان (افغانستان)، اسلامی جمہوریہ ایران (آئی آر ایران)، جمہوریہ عراق (عراق)، اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان (پاکستان)، میں کیا جا رہا ہے۔ جی ایل او۔ ایکٹ – بنگلہ دیش ایک متوازی منصوبہ ہے جسے یورپی یونین کی جانب سے مالی معاونت فراہم کی جا رہی ہے اور آئی او ایم کے تعاون سے عمل درآمدکیا جا رہا ہے۔
یہ منصوبہ مشترکہ عزائم کاحامل ایک عالمی گروپ تشکیل دیتا ہے، جیسا کہ جی ایل او۔ ایکٹ 2019-2015 میں اس کا آغاز کیا گیا ہے، اور حکومتی حکام اور سول سوسائٹی کی تنظیموں کو ایک اہدافی، نئے طریقے اور طلب کی بنیاد پر مشتمل اقدام؛ موثر منصوبہ اور پالیسی سازی کو برقرار رکھنے؛ قانون سازی کے جائزے اور ہم آہنگی، صلاحیت بڑھانے، اور علاقائی اور بین الاقوامی تعاون میں مدد فراہم کرتا ہے۔ یہ منصوبہ انسانی تجارت کے متاثرین اورمسائل کے شکار مہاجرین کو شناخت، ریفرل اور تحفظ کے طریقوں کے ذریعے مدد بھی فراہم کرتا ہے۔ یہ منصوبہ انسانی حقوق اور صنفی برابری کو اپنی تمام تر کارروائیوں کے مرکزی دھارے میں شامل کرنے کے لیے پوری طرح پرعزم ہے۔
یہ منصوبہ یورپی یونین کی مالی معاونت سے سر انجام دیا جا رہا ہے۔
***** اختتام *****
مزید معلومات کے لیے رابطہ کریں:
شاہدہ گیلانی، نیشنل پروجیکٹ آفسیر
ای میل: shahida.gillani@un.org
مزید معلومات کے لیے وزٹ کریں:
Glo.Act – Asia and Middle East
ای میل: glo.act@un.org
ٹوئیٹر: @glo_act
پاکستان بھر میں قومی شعور کی بیداری کی آگاہی کے لیے، برائے مہربانی لائیک کریں اور شئیر کریإ
فیس بک: https://www.facebook.com/UNODCCOPAK.GloAct/
ٹوئیٹر:@GLOACTPakistan
Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
29 July 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 29 July 2021
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
MESSAGE ON WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
“Victims’ Voices Lead the Way”
30 July 2021
In the midst of a global pandemic, accompanied by rising inequalities and economic devastation, the voices of human trafficking survivors and victims risk being drowned out.
But listening to their stories is more crucial than ever as the COVID-19 crisis increases fragilities and drives up desperation.
As many as 124 million more people have been pushed into extreme poverty by the pandemic, leaving many millions vulnerable to trafficking.
Children are at great and growing risk: they represent one-third of victims globally — a share that has tripled in the last 15 years. Half of victims in low-income countries are children, most of whom are trafficked for forced labour. Criminals everywhere are using technology to identify, control and exploit vulnerable people. Children are increasingly targeted through online platforms for sexual exploitation, forced marriage and other forms of abuse.
Trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation continues to be one of the most widespread and abhorrent forms of human trafficking. Migrants account for more than half of those trafficked in most regions.
Governments must take urgent steps to strengthen prevention, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. This includes implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
Our efforts must be guided by survivors of trafficking. Their contribution is essential to address risk factors and patterns, and to identify and protect victims and ensure their access to justice and recovery, while holding their exploiters accountable.
The United Nations is committed to listening and responding to the voices of victims and survivors of human trafficking, ensuring their rights and dignity, amplifying their stories and learning from them in our fight to prevent and put an end to this terrible crime.
***
UNODC
MEDIA ADVISORY
World Day against Trafficking in Persons – Pakistan: 30 July 2021, Islamabad
At Kehkashan hall 1, Serena Hotel Islamabad tomorrow Friday 30th July 2021 at 09:00 hrs.
Under the EU funded Global Action to Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT – Asia and the Middle East), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency on Friday 30 July 2021 at Islamabad.
“Victim’s Voices Lead the Way” is this year’s World Day against TIP theme. It’s a theme that puts victims of human trafficking at the centre and highlights the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking and the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their road to rehabilitation.
We cordially invite you for the media coverage of World Day against Trafficking in Person Kehkashan hall 1, Serena Hotel Islamabad tomorrow Friday 30th July 2021 at 09:00 hrs.
For further information, please contact:-
Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org
***
1 of 5
Press Release
27 July 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 27 July 2021
UNODC
PRESS RELEASE
Launch of Project!!
Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan
Funded by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Islamabad, Pakistan 27 July 2021 – Today, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan with the implementing partner Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a project Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan in Islamabad. The scope of project is laid down for two years, a joint initiative by the Government of Canada and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and it reaffirms that combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling is of the highest importance for the Government of Pakistan, Government of Canada, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as a whole. This project is financially supported by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This project is a coordinated response to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants and aims to strengthen the capacity of the Federal Investigation for its fight against Trafficking in persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).
“The support from the government of Canada through this project which we are launching today, will strengthen the national policies regarding TIP and SOM including the national capacity to assess and measure this phenomenon in Pakistan. It will strengthen the capacity of FIA and police to combat TIP and SOM; raise awareness amongst the risk group, public and relevant Pakistani authorities, and NGOs. It will also build the capacity of the national authorities to protect and reintegrate victims of trafficking and vulnerable smuggled migrants, especially women and children”, said, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative, UNODC Pakistan in his opening remarks.
In addressing the event, Her Excellency Wendy Gilmour, Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan stated “Canada commends Government of Pakistan’s commitment to fight human trafficking and migrant smuggling and we are pleased to work with UNODC as a partner in support of the Government of Pakistan’s efforts in these areas. Human trafficking is a crime, representing an assault on the fundamental human rights of its victims. Improved data gathering and analysis will assist in combatting trafficking and migrant smuggling, helping Pakistan address transnational crime and stop those who would prey on some of the world’s most vulnerable for their own gain. Canada will continue to work alongside Pakistan and other global partners in fighting trafficking and smuggling operations to support safe migration”.
The Project is launched with the roll out of two days training on data collection and management. The purpose of the training is to reinforce the importance of disaggregation of TIP and SOM data, its adequate collection, and the needs to understand the differences between TIP and SOM.
Speaking about the project, Dr. Sanaullah Abbasi, PSP, Director General FIA, said, “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with the support of UNODC and the Government of Canada will improve prosecution of traffickers, smugglers and protect and support victims and witnesses, while upholding the rule of law and in recognition of human rights. The project is aligned with FIA’s National Action Plan to combat TIP and SOM (2021 – 2025), which was developed by FIA with the assistance of UNODC”. Regarding the training, he also said, that, “The training helped participants understand the techniques to expand their knowledge on the type of data that should be collected, its usefulness, the need for gender-segregated data and characteristics of good data”.
The launching ceremony took place in the presence of the Senior representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency and the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan.
For further information or media enquiries please contact:
Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Mobile: +923018564255; Fax: + 92-51-2601469; Email: rizwana.asad@un.org
Video footage download link: https://we.tl/t-V3iueFkHJV
***
پریس ریلیز
کینیڈین حکومت کے امیگریشن ، پناہ گزینوں اور شہریت (آئی آر سی سی ) کے تعاون سے پاکستان میں انسانی اسمگلنگ اور سودا گری سے نمٹنے کے لیے پراجیکٹ کا آغاز
اسلام آباد ( 27جولائی 2021) آج اقوام متحدہ کے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی ) کے کنٹری آفس اسلام آباد نے ایف آئی اے کے اشتراک سے پاکستان میں انسانی اسمگلنگ اور سودا گری سے نمٹنے کے لیے دو سالہ منصوبے کا آغاز کر دیا ۔ انسانی اسمگلنگ اور تارکین وطن افرادکی اسمگلنگ کا مل کر مقابلہ کرنا حکومت پاکستان ، کینیڈین حکومت اور اقوام متحدہ کے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم آفس کے لیے سب سے زیادہ اہمیت کا حامل ہے ۔ اس منصوبے کو حکومت کینیڈا کی مالی معاونت حاصل ہے ۔ یہ منصوبہ انسانوں کی تجارت اور اسمگلنگ کی انسداد کے لیے مربوط اقدام ہے ، اور اس کا مقصد انسانوں کی تجارت اور مہاجروں کی اسمگلنگ کے خلاف جنگ کے لیے وفاقی تحقیقاتی ادارے کی صلاحیت کو مستحکم کرنا ہے۔ منصوبے کی افتتاحی تقریب میں گفتگو کرتے ہوئے اقوام متحدہ کے پاکستان میں آفس برائے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم کے نمائندے ڈاکٹر جیرمی ملسم نے کہا کہ کینیڈین حکومت کی حمایت سے جو منصوبہ آج ہم شروع کر رہے ہیں اس سے قومی پالیسیوں کو تقویت ملے گی ، جس سے پاکستان میں اس رجحان کی تشخیص اور حوصلہ شکنی کرنے کی قومی صلاحیت میں اضافہ ہو گا ۔ رسک گروپ، عوامی اور متعلقہ پاکستانی حکام اور غیر سرکاری تنظیموں میں شعور بیدار کریں۔ اس سے قومی حکام کی انسانوں کی تجارت اور اسمگل شدہ تارکین وطن، خاص طور پر خواتین اور بچوں کی بحالی اور ان کی صلاحیت میں بھی اضافہ ہوگا۔"
پاکستان میں کینیڈا کی ہائی کمشنر محترمہ وینڈی گلمور نے "پاکستانی حکومت کے کردار کی تعریف کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ یو این او ڈی سی کے ساتھ حکومت پاکستان کی کوششوں کی حمایت میں شراکت دار کے طور پر کام کریں۔ ان علاقوں میں انسانی اسمگلنگ ایک جرم ہے، جو اس کے متاثرین کے بنیادی انسانی حقوق کے غصب کرنے کی نمائندگی کرتا ہے۔ ڈیٹا اکٹھا کرنا اور تجزیہ کرنے سے اسمگلنگ اور تارکین وطن کی اسمگلنگ کا مقابلہ کرنے میں مدد ملے گی، پاکستان کو بین الاقوامی جرائم سے نمٹنے میں مدد ملے گی اور ان لوگوں کو روکنے میں مدد ملے گی جو اپنے فائدے کے لئے دنیا کے سب سے بڑے خطرے کا شکار ہوتے ہیں۔ کینیڈا محفوظ نقل مکانی کی حمایت کے لئے پاکستان اور دیگر عالمی شراکت داروں کے ساتھ مل کر اسمگلنگ اور غیر قانونی تارکین وطن کی کارروائیوں سے لڑنے کے لئے کام جاری رکھے گا۔"
منصوبے کے آغاز سے پہلے دو دن کی تربیت کا اہتمام کیا گیا جس میں غیر قانونی تارکین وطن اور انسانی اسمگلنگ سے متعلق ڈیٹا اکٹھا کرنے اور ان سے نبرد آزما ہونے سے متعلق تربیت دی جا رہی ہے۔ تربیت کا بنیادی مقصد انفرادی اسمگلنگ اور انسانی اسمگلنگ سے متعلق ڈیٹا اکٹھا کرنے کی اہمیت کے ساتھ ساتھ انفرادی اور انسانی اسمگلنگ کے درمیان فرق کو سمجھنے کی ضرورت پر زور دیا گیا ۔
منصوبے کے حوالے سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے ثناء اللہ عباسی ڈائریکٹر جنرل ایف آئی آے نے کہا کہ ، اقوام متحدہ دفتر برائے انسداد منشیات اورجرائم حکومت کینیڈا کے تعاون سے انفرادی اسمگلروں اور انسانی اسمگلروں کے خلاف قانونی کارروائی کو بہتر بنائیں گے اور متاثرین کی حفاظت کے ساتھ ساتھ ان کی مناسب مدد کریں گے ۔ قانون کی بالادستی کو برقرار رکھنے اور انسانی حقوق کی پاسداری کے لیے اس منصوبے کو انسانوں کی تجارت اور انسانی اسمگلنگ سے نمٹنے کے لیے اسے ایف آئی اے کے نیشنل ایکشن پلان کے ساتھ منسلک کیا گیا ہے، جسے ایف آئی اے نے اقوام متحدہ کے آفس برائے انسداد منشیات اور جرائم کے تعاون سے تیار کیا ہے ۔ " تربیت کے حوالے سے بات کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے کہا کہ ''اس تربیت سے شرکاءکو اپنے اعداد و شمار میں اضافہ کرنے کے طریقوں کو سمجھنے میں مدد ملی جو ڈیٹا اکٹھا کرنے ، اس کی افادیت سمیت اہم صنفی امتیاز کے ساتھ معلومات فراہم کرنے میں معاون ثابت ہوئی ۔
منصوبے کے آغاز کی تقریب میں کینیڈین ہائی کمیشن کے سینئر نمائندوں سمیت وفاقی تحقیقاتی ادارے کے اہم افسران بھی موجود تھے ۔
***
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
12 April 2021
Resources
04 March 2021
Resources
05 November 2020
Resources
06 October 2020
1 / 11