Dated: Islamabad, Mon, 1st February 2021
The issue of justice with children in Pakistan is set to open public discourse at the national level as Group Development Pakistan (GDP) – a civil society organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 working on protecting and promoting child rights and strengthening child protection and justice with children across Pakistan – premieres BeGunah in collaboration with federal Ministry of Law & Justice (MOL&J) which is a web series based on the concept of the artivism engaging youth to raise awareness on justice with children.
BeGunah aims to address and analyse dynamics that may impact the child’s best interest with regards to justice with children. This web series particularly focuses on children in contact and conflict with the law highlighting the crucial difference that having child courts have made in ensuring rehabilitative and restorative justice.
In her opening remarks, Amihan Abueva, Executive Director, CRC Asia said “It is the individual and a collective right of the child to access the law and justice. The right of children to justice must be respected!”
Among the panellist’s Dr Rinchen Chopel, member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child highlighted the efforts of the government and civil society in promoting child rights and justice across Pakistan.
“The launch of BeGunah is a historical moment for the Ministry of Law & Justice (MOL&J). It is the first time the ministry has used an alternative & interactive method involving youth to raise awareness about #CSA” said Parliamentary Secretary for MOL&J Barrister Maleeka Bokhari.
The lead actor of the web series Sarmad Khoosat pointed out towards the dire need to open discourse on such crucial social issues. He said “I feel honoured to be part of this inititiative and to work with the amazing youth who led the whole process and gave me an opportunity to talk about justice with children”
Veteran actor and child rights activist Nadia Jameel while speaking at the premiere said “CSA is not discussed in mainstream media at all & opening up the conversation in such a manner is incredibly inspiring! Hopefully, this will change the narrative!”
The person behind writing the script Elia Rathore pointed how it was important to embark on a journey to raise the unheard voices at a national level. It gave us determination to write a creative story aimed at engaging and youth and children.
While giving the closing remarks Executive Director of GDP, Ms Valerie Khan said “When Pakistani citizens join hands and create something impactful and helps the vulnerable, it’s possible! I believe in the country and its youth and I thank the government for believing in it as well!”
The exceptional web-series have been directed, produced, and envisioned by young Pakistani students who have attempted to launch a dialogue around juvenile justice and the issue of child abuse and gender equality. Partnering with the MOL&J, GDP seeks to empower the youth and present an insightful and informative look into key problems, but also solutions and examples of good practices associated with juvenile justice and child rights within Pakistan.
The 1st episode of the web series is available on GDP’s social media handles including, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Whereas the other two episodes will be aired on 8th and 15th January 2021 respectively.
