We commonly speak about ending child sexual abuse, but we hardly talk about the laws meant to stop it. A law cannot protect children if people do not know it exists. Many parents, teachers, children and even ordinary people are unaware that abusing a child can lead to severe punishment, including long prison terms. If the people do not know the law, how can offenders fear it? Another problem is that legal language is too difficult for ordinary people. Most laws are written for lawyers, not for the people. How can we expect crime to fall when many citizens cannot understand the very laws that protect them?
Every important child protection law should also be available in simple Urdu and regional languages, with short examples explaining what is a crime, how to report it and what punishment follows. The government should launch nationwide awareness campaigns through schools, television, radio and social media. Posters in public places should clearly explain children’s rights, reporting methods and legal penalties. When people understand the law and criminals know that society is educated and ready to report abuse, fear of punishment grows. Simple laws in easy words can help protect countless children.
Muhammad Shahjahan Memon
Islamabad
