ASIA/PAKISTAN - Bishops: we need to protect children from sexual abuse

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "Abuse and sexual exploitation on children are spread across Pakistan. According to a public estimate, more than 3,500 cases of child harassment were reported in 2014, 67% occurred in rural areas. It is urgent for the government to act rigorously against those responsible": says a statement of the "Justice and Peace" Commission (NCJP) of the Bishops of Pakistan, sent to Agenzia Fides. The Commission sent a memorandum to the government with demands for the protection of minors.
A scandal has emerged in recent days: in Kasur, Punjab, police uncovered a criminal gang which has been involved in extreme abuse against minors and in the marketing of child pornography for ten years. According to the survey results, about 400 videos were made with 280 identifiable victims from 6 to 14 years of age. The victims' families were blackmailed by the gang, who had also corrupted the local police. According to some speculations, some local politicians are involved in this traffic.
Bishops condemn abuses and write to the authorities: "Political representatives of all political parties should condemn such facts and not use them to achieve political advantage. It is urgent to provide assistance and protection to victims of abuse in the first place, in order to deal with the trauma suffered".
With regards to education, "the government should introduce sex education in schools to prevent such accidents in the future, by setting up a Judicial Commission to develop specific rules on the issue of child abuse and child pornography".
"Children are the future of our nation", the Commission’s statement concludes. "In order to protect them the government must meet its social, moral and international commitments towards the rights of children, working for the protection and safety of children across Pakistan". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/08/2015)