Reports of Sexual Abuse of Children in Kasur, Pakistan
Statement by Philippe Cori, UNICEF Regional Deputy-Director for South Asia
NEW YORK (August 11, 2015) – “Recent reports of children being sexually abused over a period of several years in the Kasur district of Pakistan are appalling. UNICEF is in contact with the Government authorities to understand the full dimension of this crime. Our sympathies are with the children who have been victims to this abuse. It is vital that the children and families affected are immediately offered the necessary care and protection that will prevent further victimization and allow the difficult process of healing to begin.
“No child should suffer violence, abuse or exploitation. The horrific crimes in Kasur underline how we must all do more to protect children from such abuses.
“UNICEF is working closely with the authorities in Pakistan to prevent and respond to such issues affecting children, including sexual violence and abuse. We welcome efforts in Pakistan to tackle the issue of child abuse – including Pakistan signing, along with many other countries, the ‘We Protect” statement of action to end on-line child sexual exploitation.
“UNICEF is ready to expand its work with local and national authorities to increase such efforts, so that no child has to suffer these terrible horrors.
“We hope also that every effort will be made by the Government of Pakistan to bring to justice those responsible for these terrible abuses.”
About UNICEFThe United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact: Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org.