- 1. Citizens, Rights and Accountability: A case for children
(Pakistan) Tahira Jabeen University of the Punjab, Lahore,
Pakistan
2. Outline Childrens citizenship an introduction Contemporary
debates Methods and data for this presentation Analysis and
discussion Implications for development futures 3. Childrens
citizenship Traditional view of citizenship - Marshall Feminist,
anti-racism challenge to the traditional view Children, another,
yet excluded population United Nations Child Rights Convention
(UNCRC), participation rights, a foundation for childrens
citizenship 4. Contemporary debates Welfarist view of children
dependent, incompetent and vulnerable, need care, protection and
guidance, their childhood is determined by adults Children as
citizens children are people, with strengths and competencies, need
respect and recognition, childrens decision influence their
childhood 5. Methods and data Constructivist-interpretative
research approach Data sources i) in-depth interviews with
policymakers ii) analysis of Pakistans children related legislative
and policy framework Thematic analysis 6. Analysis legislative
framework Pakistan is party to the UNCRC, foundation for childrens
citizenship (Art. 12) The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees every
citizen fundamental rights. For example; - the security of the
person (Art. 9) - prohibits slavery, forced labor (Art.11) - the
dignity of man (Art. 14 ) - equality for citizens (Art. 25) 7.
Analysis legislative framework cont Pakistan has 80
children-related laws National Registration Act 1973 for issuance
of a national identity card to all citizens above the age of 18
years -- the voting age Criminal responsibility is established at 7
Minimum marriageable age for females is set at 16 and for males at
18 Legal age for work is set at 14 8. Analysis Policymakers views A
typically welfarist view, A child is a parents responsibilityshould
be treated with love and care, and provided all necessities of life
Translated into policy, Children belong to the private sphere of
home and the state could not and should not interfere in the
private sphere and the Social Welfare has always considered
children a very minor part of their work, because children are
small (smiling) so, it has to be a small portion 9. Analysis
Policymakers views cont We have a very young populationschool
ageBut, we dont have enough schoolsthen, there is the issue of the
affordability of schoolingParents too, think that if a child is not
in school for whatever reasons, s/he should go to work. S/he will
earn something, learn some skill and become independent in future.
10. Discussion Childrens active participation and contribution is
not acknowledged Children are not considered worth having and
expressing their views and able to participate in decisions
effecting their lives Children are not voters, so, policymakers do
not seem to prioritise their issues and feel accountable to them
11. Implications for Development futures Pakistan is struggling to
achieve hundred per cent enrollment (MDG two) - School drop out
rates are one of the highest in the region, - child labour is on
the rise - child poverty rates are alarming - a national emergency
to achieve hundred per cent enrollment by2015. 12. Thank
You!Questions & comments [email protected]
