Child begging, a severe form of child labor, poses a significant challenge in Karachi, where many impoverished children are found on the streets. The Sindh Child Protection Authority recently informed the Sindh Assembly of plans for an anti-child beggary drive in coordination with the provincia police. Social Welfare Minister Tariq Ali Talpur noted that organized beggary is a multimillion-rupee racket, complicating efforts to eradicate it. Despite beggary being illegal, the root causes such as poverty, domestic violence, and lack of education remain unaddressed. Estimates suggest that 1.2 million children are begging in urban centers, with over 90% facing sexual exploitation. Experts advocate for a multidimensional approach to rescue and rehabilitate these children, emphasizing the need for local monitoring through child protection units staffed with trained personnel.

Imran, the husband of a teacher at a non-formal education school in Gujranwala, Pakistan, was arrested for sexually abusing multiple young female students over several years. He used his position running a canteen at the school to exploit the victims aged 11-14, and threatened them with videos he secretly filmed. One victim confided in her parents, leading to the arrest and confession of Imran. The school has been closed while investigations continue. This case has highlighted concerns about the lack of oversight and safeguard in place to protect children in non-formal education schools.

A recent ILO report reveals that approximately 3.3 million children in Pakistan are trapped in child labour, with 13.7% of them aged between 10 and 17 years. These troubling statistics expose a grim reality deeply entrenched in society. Key factor contributing to this issue include poverty, inflation illiteracy, and a lack of quality education. With an estimated 26 million children out of school, it is crucial for Pakistan to reassess its educationa policies and tackle the systemic flaws tha perpetuate this crisis.

Pakistan is grappling with a severe public health crisis as drug-resistant typhoid spreads, with over 15,000 cases of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid reported. This superbug, which emerged in 2016, is resistant to most antibiotics and has led to prolonged illness in many patients. Contaminated water and inadequate sanitation are significant contributors to the outbreak, with approximately 80% of diseases in the country linked to unsafe water. While Pakistan has vaccinated over 30 million children since 2019, the infection continues to spread, underscoring the urgent need for improved access to clean water and sanitation. As global leaders convene to address antibiotic resistance, experts warn that the rise of XDR-typhoid could signal a return to more lethal forms of the disease if swift action is not taken.

From January 1 to August 31, 2024, Pakistan Railways successfully rescued and reunited 626 children with their families, with the highest numbers coming from Lahore (149), Rawalpindi (146), and Karachi (128). Many of these children were found unaccompanied at railway stations after leaving home due to disputes or in search of a better life.

The pressing issue of juvenile justice and education for incarcerated children in Pakistan is gaining attention as many young offenders face significant neglect within a flawed judicial system. Approximately 1,700 to 2,000 children are currently held in jails, with the majority detained without trial due to lack of legal representation. While the Juvenile Justice System Act (2018) was enacted to improve conditions, its implementation has been hampered by insufficient resources and political will.There is a growing need for public awareness, training for law enforcement and judiciary, and a stronger focus on juvenile justice within the political agenda. Ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive the education and support they need is not just a possibility but a necessity to uphold their rights.

On September 23, 2024, the Supreme Court o India ruled that the term "child pornography" should be replaced with "child sexua exploitative and abuse material" (CSEAM) to better reflect the seriousness of these offenses The Court directed all judicial bodies to use CSEAM in relevant cases and urged Parliamen to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act accordingly This landmark ruling also overturned a previous Madras High Court decision that had dismissed criminal charges against an individual for downloading child pornography restoring legal proceedings against him.

A United Nations committee has condemned Israel for severe violations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child amid its ongoing military actions in Gaza, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 41,000 Palestinians, including at least 11,355 children. The committee described the situation as "historically unique" in terms of child casualties and criticized Israel for its indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, which have led to widespread displacement, malnutrition, and other humanitarian crises among children. Despite Israel's assertions that its military operations comply with international humanitarian law, the UN panel emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect children's rights and lives.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sharply criticized the madrasa education system in India, claiming it violates children's rights to education as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. In submissions to the Supreme Court, the NCPCR argued tha madrasa curricula focus solely on religious instruction, depriving children of mainstream academic learning and essential skills. The commission expressed concern over objectionable content in madrasa textbooks that promote religious supremacy, which it suggested could threaten national security. NCPCR called for integrating general education with religious teachings and highlighted broader constitutional violations urging the court to recognize the systemic issues affecting children in madrasas across India. The commission seeks a decision that would have nationwide implications, ensuring that all children receive holistic, secular education.

Ukrainian human rights organizations, including Freedom House and ZMINA, have submitted a lawsuit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing Belarus of systematically indoctrinating and militarizing over 2,200 Ukrainian children. This marks the fourth lawsuit related to Russian crimes against Ukrainian children and highlights targeted actions that constitute crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The groups emphasize that Belarusian authorities are involved in erasing Ukrainian identity, referring to children as "Russian" and sending them to indoctrination camps. The lawsuit details the discriminatory practices against vulnerable groups, including orphans and children with disabilities, and outlines a network of 18 institutions used for reeducation. Human rights defenders are calling for an investigation into these actions and the issuance of arrest warrants for those involved.

At the United Nations, Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep highlighted the plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule stating that even animals have more freedoms than women in Afghanistan today. Speaking alongside Afghan women activists at the event "The Inclusion of Women in the Future of Afghanistan," Streep condemned the Taliban's oppressive policie, which have severely restricted women's rights, including bans on education and public presence. Following her remarks, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands announced legal action against the Taliban for violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). This joint initiative aims to hold the Taliban accountable for their systematic oppression of women and girls, amid rising mental health crises and increasing acts of defiance from Afghan women determined to reclaim their voices.