Judges, lawyers receive training on child-friendly justice and diversion in KP

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jul, 2026) A two-day training on “Diversion and Child-Friendly Justice” for members of the Juvenile Justice Committees (JJCs) from 13 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa concluded in Peshawar, with participants reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law through rehabilitation and restorative justice.

The training was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan as part of the Reimagining Justice for Children Program to strengthen the capacity of JJC members to effectively implement the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, with particular emphasis on diversion as the preferred approach for children in conflict with the law.

The sessions focused on ensuring that children were diverted away from unnecessary formal judicial proceedings wherever appropriate and were instead provided opportunities for rehabilitation, reintegration, and restorative justice in line with national legislation and international child rights standards.

Sharif Hussain, Secretary Social Welfare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony while Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Chief KPCPWC, Sohail Khan of UNICEF Pakistan were also present on the occasion.

Judicial Magistrates, Senior Civil Judges, District Public Prosecutors, Probation Officers, and representatives of the Bar from Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Bannu, Kohat, Abbottabad, Battagram, Lower Dir, Swat, Lower Chitral, and Upper Chitral attended the training. Juvenile Justice Committees have been notified by the Ministry of Human Rights Pakistan under the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018.

Addressing the participants, Sohail Khan, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Peshawar, reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in strengthening child protection and juvenile justice systems.

He shared UNICEF's vision of ensuring that every child, particularly those at risk and those in contact with the justice system, receives protection, care, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

He highlighted UNICEF's ongoing programmes focused on vulnerable children and emphasized that Juvenile Justice Committee members play a critical role in ensuring diversion, protecting children's rights, and promoting child-friendly procedures throughout the justice process.

He encouraged participants to uphold the best interests of the child in every decision and contribute towards building a more compassionate and responsive juvenile justice system.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Additional Chief, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, highlighted the significant progress made by the Commission in strengthening child protection systems and institutional mechanisms across the province.

He shared that, since its establishment, KPCPWC has introduced several key reforms, including the draft Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Policy, the development of the Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS), the establishment of the Centre for Continuing Professional Development, and the drafting of guidelines for Child Protection Institutions and the guardianship of abandoned children.

He also highlighted the Commission's partnerships with the University of Peshawar, the Pakistan Paediatric Association, and other institutions to strengthen child protection services through research, training, and professional collaboration.

Emphasizing the significance of the Juvenile Justice Committees as a cornerstone of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, he encouraged participants to strengthen coordination among all relevant institutions to promote diversion, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of children into society.

The orientation concluded with a closing remark by Sharif Hussain, Secretary Social Welfare, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Congratulating the participants on successfully completing the orientation, he appreciated the commitment of the Juvenile Justice Committee members towards protecting the rights and best interests of children.

He commended the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission and UNICEF for organizing this important initiative.

The Secretary, reaffirmed the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's commitment to strengthening child protection systems and ensuring the effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018.

He emphasized that diversion was a progressive and child-centered approach that provides children with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration rather than exposing them to unnecessary formal judicial processes.

He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the orientation in their respective districts and to strengthen the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Committees for the benefit of children across the province.