UNICEF is strengthening child protection efforts in Pakistan by establishing District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) in vulnerable areas. By April 2025, three additional units will become operational, ensuring essential support for at-risk children.
In a recent report, UNICEF highlighted the critical role of these units in assisting children facing abuse, neglect, and violence. One such unit in Rajanpur has already handled over 135 cases since its launch in 2024, offering medical, psychological, and legal support.
With funding from Sweden’s humanitarian aid, UNICEF established two DCPUs in flood-prone areas in 2024, focusing on enhancing child protection services.
Among the many children benefiting from these efforts is Athena, a five-year-old girl from a rural area in Rajanpur. A year ago, while her father Ahmed was at work, she was abducted and assaulted by a sanitary worker. She was found hours later in an abandoned house, traumatized and unable to speak.
Medical treatment saved her life, but her family, overwhelmed by legal challenges, was unaware of her long-term mental health needs. That’s when the DCPU stepped in, providing psychological care.
"We can’t prevent every crime, but we can help families heal—if they reach us in time," says Syed Muzammil Karim, a caseworker at the unit.
Psychologist Awais Nasir used therapy sessions, play therapy, and breathing exercises to aid Athena’s recovery. Her family and school were involved to create a supportive environment. Today, Athena is laughing and playing again, though her healing journey continues.
Beyond individual cases, the DCPU educates families on abuse prevention. "Teaching concepts like good touch and bad touch in Rajanpur requires a different approach," explains Nasir. "We tell children not to allow anyone to touch them unless their parents are present and it is for a clear reason, such as a medical checkup."
Despite these efforts, Athena’s father, Ahmed, emphasizes the need for legal assistance. "The legal process is slow, and child protection cases often don’t get the attention they deserve," he says, suggesting that having a dedicated lawyer at DCPUs could help families navigate the system more effectively.
