From International Mandate to National Legislation: Pakistan’s Response to Erga Omnes Obligations on Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This article critically assesses Pakistan's compliance with erga omnes obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) concerning sexual abuse of children. It discusses the discrepancies between the international and national levels of legal provision and scrutinizes Pakistani measures to safeguard children against sexual exploitation from the perspective of the CRC. However, there are shortcomings in implementing such laws and, therefore, such protections are not effectively implemented. In the current article, some of the major fields of Pakistan's legislation that do not conform to international standards are described, and the importance of legal reforms is stressed. Pakistan can better work to eradicate child sexual abuse and meet the requirements of the CRC through the synchronization of national laws with international norms and standards.