UNICEF has appointed Saba Qamar, a renowned Pakistani actress, as the first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan. Moreover, this significant role will allow her to use her platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of children across the country.
Renowned actor Saba Qamar has been appointed as UNICEF’s first-ever National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan. The announcement coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child. Additionally, people around the world observe this day to promote girls’ rights and highlight the specific challenges young girls face, such as child marriage and lack of education.
Saba Qamar, known for her powerful roles in Kamli and Hindi Medium, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with UNICEF. “It’s an honor to join Unicef. I will echo our shared mission of achieving every right for every child wherever I am,” Qamar said in a press release. “In my recent travels, I have seen both the challenges children and women face in this country and the difference Unicef’s dedicated efforts are making. I promise to play my part for the children and young people of Pakistan so that they can dream and have the chance to fulfill their dreams,” she added. She vowed to do her part to help Pakistani children pursue their dreams.
In her new role, Qamar will focus on raising awareness of critical issues like child marriage, mental health, education, gender equality, climate change, and the impact of violence on young people. Pakistan faces immense challenges in these areas. The country has 19 million child brides, ranking it sixth globally in this disturbing practice. Over half of teenage girls in Pakistan become pregnant before turning 18. An early pregnancy can have life-threatening consequences for both mother and child.
A Warm Welcome
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, warmly welcomed Qamar to the team. He praised her as a courageous advocate for women’s and girls’ rights. He said, “We look forward to working with Saba to spotlight the significant challenges facing children in Pakistan and enhance our efforts to ensure every child reaches their full potential.”
Additionally, Qamar shared pictures from her travels that saw her engaging with girls in an undisclosed locality. In the caption she wrote, “Met some super amazing people this week and had some wonderful experiences. Tons of stories to share! More soon!
