Unicef has appointed Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan, making the announcement on the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to advancing girls’ rights and recognizing the distinct challenges they face globally.
“It’s an incredible honor to join Unicef,” Qamar said in a press release. “I will carry our shared mission to secure every right for every child with me wherever I go. During my recent travels, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles faced by children and women in Pakistan, as well as the positive impact Unicef is making. I am fully committed to contributing to the well-being of Pakistan’s children and youth, helping them dream big and achieve their aspirations.”
As Unicef Pakistan’s National Ambassador, the acclaimed actress from Kamli and Hindi Medium will use her influence to raise awareness about critical issues affecting children’s rights, such as child marriage, mental health, education access, gender equality, climate change, and the devastating impacts of violence, exploitation, and child poverty.
Pakistan is ranked sixth globally, with 19 million child brides. Over half of adolescent girls become mothers before the age of 18, a situation that carries serious health risks for both the mother and child.
Unicef has cautioned that, without urgent intervention, child marriage will continue to afflict Pakistan for decades to come. The organization calls for a comprehensive societal response to eliminate this harmful practice and protect the country’s young girls, who are a valuable yet underutilized resource.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Saba Qamar to Unicef,” said Abdullah Fadil, Unicef Representative in Pakistan. “She is a fearless and dedicated advocate for the rights of women and girls. We are excited to work closely with her to shed light on some of the most pressing issues facing children in Pakistan and to amplify our efforts to help every child reach their full potential.”
On Thursday, Qamar shared images from her travels, where she engaged with young girls in an undisclosed location. In her post, she wrote, “Met some remarkable people this week and had life-changing experiences. Many stories to tell! Stay tuned for more!”
