Activities

Islamabad, 20 Nov 2023 – November 20th marks Universal Children’s Day, commemorating the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly in 1989. DigiMAP reiterates its unwavering support for the unique rights of every child outlined in this convention.

At DigiMAP, we firmly uphold that children have distinct rights that must be honored, safeguarded, and fulfilled, even amidst challenging times. Notably, Pakistan holds the distinction of being the first Islamic country to ratify this pivotal convention.

Regrettably, children’s rights face severe challenges in many parts of Pakistan. Disturbing statistics from the Sahil Cruel Numbers Report reveal 2227 reported cases of child sexual abuse from January to June 2023, averaging 12 cases per day. Shockingly, research by PIDE shows Pakistan as home to the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children, totaling 23 million aged five to sixteen. UNICEF reports approximately 3.3 million Pakistani children trapped in child labor. Moreover, alarming rates of underage marriages and low national birth registration rates further compound the issue.

Responding to this alarming situation, the DigiMAP cabinet underscores the crucial role of digital media journalists across Pakistan. Prioritizing children’s voices and rights is paramount to building a brighter future for all.

Universal Children’s Day, an initiative by the United Nations, emphasizes children’s fundamental rights, encompassing education, health, protection, and involvement in decisions affecting their lives.

President Sabookh Syed of DigiMAP urged digital media journalists to commemorate this occasion by promoting educational events that emphasize children’s rights and underscore the significance of quality education. He emphasized the advocacy for policies and initiatives aimed at safeguarding and nurturing children’s welfare. Additionally, he advised the facilitation of avenues for children to express themselves through artistic and creative endeavors, promoting their talents on digital platforms.

General Secretary Adnan Aamir emphasizes the governmental responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights. DigiMAP urges member organizations to spotlight violations and hold authorities accountable, urging timely and strict actions. Additionally, there’s a call for adequate budget allocation from government bodies to protect and promote child rights in Pakistan.

Aligning with the theme for World Children’s Day 2023, ‘For every child, every right,’ DigiMAP stresses the imperative of investing in Pakistan’s children for a more promising future. Comprehensive investment today guarantees a prosperous tomorrow.

DigiMAP remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights of children in Pakistan, envisioning a future where every child’s rights are honored and protected.

For media inquiries, please contact: Mamtaz Gohar, [email protected] 0333-9993833

Islamabad, November 2, 2023 – DigiMAP (Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan) joins the global community in observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2, 2023. This year holds particular significance as it aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In a world where journalism stands as a beacon of truth, DigiMAP recognizes and celebrates the vital contributions of journalists and media professionals. They play a crucial role in combating disinformation and hate speech while promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions.

The Freedom Network Impunity Report 2023 highlights Pakistan’s struggle to protect journalists through legislation, resulting in increased attacks on media practitioners. The report urgently calls for a safety commission under the federal Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, adequate resourcing for Sindh’s Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners, and the adoption of similar safety laws in other provinces.

Simultaneously, Pakistan remains on the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) 2023 Global Impunity Index, marking eight journalists’ fatal attacks without consequences this year. Tragically, four cases involve criminals, and two are attributed to political groups.

DigiMAP is deeply concerned by these alarming statistics, which highlight the failure of the state to fulfill its international and national obligations to protect and enable journalists to perform their duties without fear, thereby ensuring that crimes against the press are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

DigiMAP’s President, Sabookh Syed, and General Secretary, Adnan Aamir, stress that Pakistan is bound by international law to swiftly and thoroughly investigate attacks on journalists and bring the responsible parties to justice. This obligation is firmly enshrined in international and national human rights instruments, as well as various United Nations protocols and resolutions, all of which unequivocally mandate states to provide effective remedies for human rights violations.

In response to these concerns, DigiMAP calls for the freedom of journalists and media professionals in Pakistan to cover upcoming elections, including the pre-election period, without the fear of violence, threats, state-imposed restrictions, or legal actions that stifle free speech or target journalists. With general elections on the horizon amid political uncertainty and transition, DigiMAP expresses deep apprehension about the potential for violence, intimidation, and restrictive measures.

DigiMAP remains dedicated in its commitment to advocating for the rights, safety, and freedom of journalists. The organization will continue to support initiatives aimed at ending impunity for crimes against journalists. As Pakistan enters a pivotal period characterized by political changes, DigiMAP reaffirms its dedication to a free and independent media and calls for justice, transparency, and accountability.

For media inquiries, please contact: Mamtaz Gohar, [email protected] 0333-9993833