Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child

The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) is a Pakistani independent non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children.

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child
AbbreviationSPARC
FormationDecember 17, 1992 (1992-12-17)
TypeNGO
PurposeChild rights
HeadquartersIslamabad,lahore
Region served
Pakistan
Membership
Private
Websitesparcpk.org

Mission

SPARC was established as an advocacy group for children’s rights.[1] Initially focused on promoting and protecting breastfeeding, it has expanded to child labour, juvenile justice, education and violence against children.[1] It has held "children's parliaments"[2][3] and worked to end corporal punishment in Pakistani schools.[4][5][6]

Operations

SPARC was officially established on December 17, 1992, in Islamabad, Pakistan.[1] SPARC's governing body is run by a board of directors.[1] While the headquarters is located in Islamabad, it has offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, Hyderabad, Multan and Nowshera.[1] 54 Child Rights Committees consisting of local activists operate at the district level.[1]

SPARC has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Public Information.[1] It is a partner of Defence for Children International.[1] In 2003, SPARC received the United Nations Recognition Award for highlighting the plight of children and promoting the rights of children in Pakistan.[1] In 2006, SPARC received USAID certification.[1]

SPARC is a member of the Pakistan National Alliance[7] and the International Baby Food Action Network.[8]

Successes

The Protection of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Ordinance, drafted by founding SPARC member Anees Jillani, was signed in October 2002 and came into force in 2010.[9][10] It superseded the National Infant Feeding Board Rules of 2004.[11] The ordinance has also been adopted by Gilgit-Baltistan, which has special status under a Presidential Order.[12]

References
  1. "SPARC". SPARC. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  2. "Children Parliament elected to promote child rights". The Nation (Pakistan). November 15, 2008. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  3. "SPARC organises children parliament session". The Nation (Pakistan). November 7, 2010. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  4. "SPARC for end to corporal punishment in school". The Nation (Pakistan). June 22, 2009. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  5. "SPARC calls for end to corporal punishment in schools". Financial Post. February 24, 2011. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. (at Highbeam, subscription required)
  6. "NGO: Corporal Punishment of Students in Pakistan Must End". SOS Children's Villages – Canada. June 26, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  7. "Breastfeeding practice 'lowest in Pakistan'". The Express Tribune. July 29, 2010.
  8. Wager, T. "IV – PAKISTAN (2003-2004)" (PDF). SPARC. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  9. The Network, Islamabad. "Consultative Meeting on Protection of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance 2002".
  10. Azam, Foiza (February 10, 2010). "Breastfeeding rules finally get Ministry's nod". The Nation (Pakistan). Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  11. Government of Pakistan (August 20, 2004). The Gazette of Pakistan (SRO 84(KE)2004)
  12. "Cabinet approves 'Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009'". Associated Press of Pakistan. August 29, 2009.
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