Abbreviation | SPARC |
---|---|
Formation | December 17, 1992 |
Type | NGO |
Purpose | Child rights |
Headquarters | Islamabad,lahore |
Region served | Pakistan |
Membership | Private |
Website | sparcpk |
The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) is a Pakistani independent non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children.
SPARC was established as an advocacy group for children's rights.[1] Initially focused on promoting and protecting breastfeeding, it has expanded to child labour, juvenile justice, education and violence against children.[1] It has held "children's parliaments"[2][3] and worked to end corporal punishment in Pakistani schools.[4][5][6]
SPARC was officially established on 17 December 1992, in Islamabad, Pakistan.[1] SPARC's governing body is run by a board of directors.[1] While the headquarters is located in Islamabad, it has offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, Hyderabad, Multan and Nowshera.[1] 54 Child Rights Committees consisting of local activists operate at the district level.[1]
SPARC has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Public Information.[1] It is a partner of Defence for Children International.[1] In 2003, SPARC received the United Nations Recognition Award for highlighting the plight of children and promoting the rights of children in Pakistan.[1] In 2006, SPARC received USAID certification.[1]
SPARC is a member of the Pakistan National Alliance[7] and the International Baby Food Action Network.[8]
The Protection of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Ordinance, drafted by founding SPARC member Anees Jillani, was signed in October 2002 and came into force in 2010.[9][10] It superseded the National Infant Feeding Board Rules of 2004.[11] The ordinance has also been adopted by Gilgit-Baltistan, which has special status under a Presidential Order.[12]