Pakistan’s human rights ministry launched the ‘Awaz’ mobile application to report missing children and human rights violations across the country, an initiative aimed to ensure a quick and coordinated response from authorities to address these critical issues.
In recent years, Pakistan has faced alarming rates of child abductions and subsequent sexual abuse. According to a 2023 report by the non-governmental organization Sahil, 1,833 child abduction cases were reported nationwide, with 105 (6 percent) involving sexual abuse after abduction.
“We are proud to introduce the Awaz app, which marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to human rights,” said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. “It underscores our dedication to leveraging technology to ensure swift and effective action on every report and to uphold justice with unwavering resolve.”
The Awaz app allows users to report human rights violations, including cases of missing or abducted children. The ministry highlighted that the app ensures a quick and coordinated response from both authorities and community organizations. It is currently available for download on Android, with an iOS version to be released soon.
An official from the Ministry of Human Rights emphasized the app’s role in facilitating a swift and coordinated response to human rights violations.
“We are proud to introduce the Awaz App, a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to human rights,” the official reiterated. “It highlights our dedication to utilizing technology for prompt and effective action on every report, ensuring justice with unwavering resolve. Let’s make a difference together!”
Pakistan, in recent years, also grappled with various human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of speech, extrajudicial killings, and torture, particularly affecting marginalized communities, activists, and journalists. In response to these issues, Pakistan’s parliament passed the Zainab Alert, Recovery, and Response Bill in 2020. This law mandated the speedy recovery of abducted children and required that all cases of child kidnapping, rape, and murder be investigated within three months.
How Awaz App works?
This system typically involves the following components:
1. Reporting: When a child is reported missing or abducted, the case is immediately reported to the authorities, such as the police or the helpline 1099, 15, or Roshni helpline 1138.
2. Activation: Once the report is received, the Alert system is activated, triggering a coordinated response from various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, government departments, and the community.
3. Alert dissemination: Information about the missing or abducted child, including their description and any relevant details, is disseminated through various channels, such as social media/WhatsApp groups, news outlets, and public announcements. This helps raise awareness and mobilize the relevant departments and the public in the search for the child.
4. Search and investigation: Law enforcement agencies initiate a search operation and investigation to locate the missing or abducted child.
5. Recovery and support: The primary objective of the Alert system is to safely recover the missing or abducted child. Once the child is found, appropriate support services, such as counseling, legal aid, and medical assistance, are provided to ensure their well-being and recovery.