Although substantial progress has been made in many areas, the Government and people recognise that there is a need to continue to strive for the fulfilment of children's rights in all areas of Pakistan. Some of the new challenges will require special measures.

One such challenge is the new phenomenon of exploitation resulting in street children, runaways, domestic child workers and children suffering from abuse in all forms, particularly sexual abuse and trafficking. The first steps have been taken to understand the problem better through a series of studies. However, the real test is to develop concerted plans and ensure effective implementation. Another serious issue for the Government is the care of children without family support. A study has been completed recently to identify the best practices and minimum standards for orphaned children in institutions. Access to the hinterland is another challenge. In order to understand the situation of children in rural areas, special end-decade review reports have been commissioned for tribal areas as well as remote and hard to reach northern areas.

Although there are many areas in which actions need to be taken, the priority areas for action include:

• Improving access and quality of health programmes, especially those focusing on early childhood.
• Improving quality and access to basic education, with a focus on girls and other marginalised groups.
• Improving the nutritional status of children.
• Protecting children from the worst and most hazardous forms of child labour.
• Alleviating poverty and improving the income levels of poor families.
• Improving governance and strengthening democracy for a secure future for children.

Future plans

It is evident that after the Special Session, Pakistan and its people will be called upon to determine the objectives for children within the framework of the outcome document: "A World Fit for Children". These goals and objectives will have to be backed by political commitment and adequate resources. The plan of action will have to be based on the decentralised and devolved government structure in the provinces and districts. Institutional mechanisms for implementation, co-ordination, monitoring and reporting will be strengthened. Efforts to raise awareness on children's rights issues and to discourage violations of rights will be pursued with new vigour. Special efforts will be made to build the capacity of government and civil society staff to adopt a rights-based approach in development and implementation of programmes and projects. Continued efforts will be made to ensure participation of children and adults in their own development, especially the participation of women and children in the planning and implementation of programmes. After the Special Session, a consultative process will be set in place to develop future plans in support of children's rights, their care and well being. These plans will be developed in consultation with all stakeholders, particularly children.