A stakeholders coordination meeting on “Complementary Interventions for Displaced Women, Girls, Children, and Persons with Specific Needs” was held in Lahore with the objective of strengthening coordination among relevant stakeholders and enhancing referral pathways for vulnerable and displaced communities.
The meeting commenced with remarks by Ms. Arooj, Field Manager (FM) Lahore, who provided an overview of SHARP Pakistan’s portfolio and its human rights initiatives. She highlighted SHARP’s uninterrupted partnership with the UNHCR for more than two decades and its extensive outreach and community-based interventions.
Ms. Huma Aziz, Project Manager, presented an overview of the project, its objectives, and its key interventions. She highlighted the importance of identifying existing gaps in protection and support services and emphasized how a strong and coordinated referral mechanism can contribute to timely and effective assistance to vulnerable communities in the current context. She further emphasized the key role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting positive reforms through community awareness, advocacy, coordination, and access to essential services. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening referral mechanisms to ensure that individuals requiring specialized support can be appropriately and safely connected with relevant service providers.
The meeting brought together representatives from child protection organizations, women-led organizations, Child Protection & Welfare Bureau/CAR Punjab, Dar-ul-Aman, the Education Department, and other relevant stakeholders. Their participation provided an opportunity to discuss existing services, protection concerns, referral gaps, and areas for improved coordination and collaboration.
Mr. Usman Ghani Director Legal Commissionerate Afghan Refugees Punjab, shared an overview of the role of CAR in providing protection and support to refugees, migrants, and displaced communities. He briefed the participants on the Government of Pakistan’s position regarding undocumented and unregistered refugees and highlighted the measures being taken in this regard.
Dr. Kalsoom Akhter, Chairperson of Active Help Organization, emphasized the importance of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). She highlighted the need to ensure that women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations, have access to appropriate information, services, and support related to their health and rights.
Mr. Khalid Qureshi, Director of Muslim Hands, highlighted the particular vulnerabilities faced by persons with specific needs/disabilities. He noted that such individuals may face significant barriers in communicating their experiences and reporting protection concerns, which can make it difficult for their needs and rights to be adequately addressed. He stressed the importance of inclusive protection mechanisms and accessible services.
Ms. Uneeza Qureshi, Protection Officer, Social Welfare Department/Dar-ul-Aman Lahore, emphasized the need to establish and strengthen safe spaces for women, children, and persons with specific needs. She highlighted the importance of creating secure and supportive environments where vulnerable individuals can seek assistance, protection, and appropriate services without fear or discrimination.
Overall, the meeting provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to share experiences, identify gaps in existing referral pathways, and explore opportunities for stronger coordination. The discussions reinforced the importance of a coordinated, inclusive, and survivor- and child-sensitive referral mechanism to improve access to protection and essential services for displaced and vulnerable communities.
