In a landmark ruling, the Lahore High Court has directed the removal of all male employees from Darul Aman (shelter homes) and Child Protection Bureaus across Punjab. This decision, issued by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, comes as part of comprehensive reforms to enhance the safety and management of these institutions.
Key Ruling by Lahore High Court
The decision was the outcome of a detailed hearing following petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other stakeholders. The 36-page judgment includes directives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable women and children housed in these facilities.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Security Measures
| Directive | Details |
|---|---|
| Database and Monitoring | Punjab government to create a comprehensive database and software for monitoring shelter homes. |
| CCTV Cameras | Installation of cameras at entrances and within premises of all Darul Aman facilities. |
| Female Police Deployment | Female police officers to be stationed at all shelter homes for enhanced security. |
Regulatory Framework Under Women Protection Act
- The provincial government must formulate regulations under the Women Protection Act of 2016 within six months to govern these shelters and safety centers.
- Rules for operating children’s protection institutions must also be developed.
Formation of Women’s Protection Committees
The court instructed the establishment of women’s protection committees in every district of Punjab to oversee and support these institutions.
Training and Vocational Support for Shelter Staff and Residents
| Support Measures | Details |
|---|---|
| Staff Training | Training for all shelter personnel, including district women protection officers. |
| Vocational Training for Residents | Economic rehabilitation through vocational programs for women residing in these shelters. |
Judicial Oversight and Reporting
District and session judges are required to conduct biannual reviews of the conditions at shelter homes to ensure compliance with regulations.
Focus on Child Protection
| Child Protection Directives | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulations for Welfare Institutions | Draft operational guidelines for children’s welfare institutions. |
| Child Protection Units | Establish child protection units at tehsil and district levels. |
Transparency and Public Access
The court mandated that all relevant information about Darul Aman and shelter homes be published on official websites to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ambiguities in Existing Shelter Home Operations
The court highlighted that while these facilities operate under the Punjab Government’s Rules of Business 2011, there is ambiguity in the legal framework governing their establishment under federal law.
Clarification of Crisis Center Operations
- The court questioned the legality of crisis centers established by the Ministry of Women’s Development under the Women Protection Act of 2016.
- It noted that only one shelter home in Multan complies with the Act, while others function as protection centers without proper SOPs.
Call for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
To address operational challenges, the court has called for clear SOPs to be formulated for all shelter homes and crisis centers, ensuring they meet their mandate to provide refuge and safety.
This groundbreaking decision underscores the Lahore High Court’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable women and children in Punjab.
