The key facts

  • Nearly 1 billion children worldwide face violence every year; one child dies every 5 minutes — WHO regional office data
  • On October 14, WHO and Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights launched a 2026–2031 strategy for 120 million children
  • In Pakistan, ~80% of children face violent discipline, 8.6 million are in child labour

Scale of the problem according to WHO

The Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization reported that nearly 1 billion children worldwide face physical, sexual or psychological violence every year. According to the office, every five minutes one child dies as a result of violence. The organization notes that violence can have long-term negative effects on children's physical and mental health, and that deaths from violence are preventable.

Pakistan's national strategy

On October 14, WHO and Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights launched a national strategy to eliminate violence against children, covering 2026–2031. The document provides for strengthening preventive and protective measures for 120 million children. The strategy aims to combat various forms of violence, neglect and exploitation, protect affected children, and support their recovery and reintegration into society. Special attention is given to early marriages, human trafficking and child labour.

Statistics on Pakistan

According to data presented in the strategy, about 80% of children in Pakistan face violent disciplinary methods from their parents. One in sixteen adolescents aged 12–17 who use the internet faces exploitation or violence through digital technologies. In the country, 8.6 million children are involved in child labour, and more than 57% of children under five have no official birth registration. WHO emphasizes that the lack of birth registration limits children's access to protection systems and basic services, making them vulnerable to various risks.