1.

Introduction

1.1 Background

"Every child carries a spark of potential; it only needs the right shelter to ignite."
Street children represent a pressing global issue, arising from poverty, parental neglect, war,
societal breakdown, and economic challenges. Many children are forced onto the streets,
either out of desperation or by promises of freedom and independence. These children face
inadequate nutrition, shelter, and healthcare, alongside risks of exploitation, abuse, and
criminal exposure. In Pakistan, the phenomenon is deeply concerning, as street children are
deprived of basic human rights and access to education, healthcare, and family guidance.
Many turn to substance abuse and develop mistrust towards society.
Understanding their developmental needs is crucial. Children form two critical types of
relationships during growth: vertical relationships, where they depend on figures with greater
authority, such as parents, teachers, or older siblings, for guidance and support; and
horizontal relationships, which are reciprocal and egalitarian, fostering peer interaction and
shared learning. The absence of these relationships disrupts their emotional and cognitive
development, leaving street children without role models or supportive communities.
Addressing the plight of street children requires interventions across these systems to provide
stable environments, education, healthcare, and social reintegration.

1.2 Who are Street Children ?

Street children are minors who live or work in public spaces, lacking permanent shelter,
adequate care, or protection from their families. They often rely on informal means of
survival.

1.3 Types of Street Children According to UNICEF

1. Children of the Streets

These children have completely or partially severed ties with their families.
They live on the streets full-time, treating it as their home.
Many in this group are orphans, abandoned, or runaway children.
Their survival depends on informal or unsafe activities.

2. Children on the Streets

This group includes children who maintain family connections but are sent to the streets
to contribute to household income.
They often engage in tasks such as selling goods, begging, or washing cars during the
day, returning to their families at night.
They may have some stability compared to children of the streets but their living
conditions often remain precarious balancing street work with personal life.

Street Children and Their Access to Basic Rights: An Analysis of Pakistani Society in the light of the Fundamental Human
Rights Provided by Islam, State Legislation and UNO Charter
2.Situational conditions of the street children

2.1.Development of the concept of street children

The concept of "street children" has evolved over centuries, reflecting societal neglect and
evolving humanitarian efforts. Its roots can be traced to ancient slavery systems, where
abandoned children often faced dire conditions. Female slaves were frequently forced to
abandon their children, and orphaned boys in Ancient Rome were at times exploited in roles
akin to prostitution. Society and the state largely ignored these vulnerable groups, leaving
their welfare to theological and charitable initiatives led by religious institutions.By 1848,
London alone had over 30,000 destitute and wandering children, while post-World War I
and the Russian Civil War left approximately 7 million homeless children in Russia by 1922.

The term "street children" was first introduced by Henry Mayhew in 1851 in his writings
about London’s impoverished children but only gained widespread use after the United
Nations declared 1979 the "Year of the Child."

2.2 Global Context :

Bangladesh:
A 2005 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies estimated the population
of street children in Bangladesh to be over 670,000, with approximately 36% of them in
Dhaka. This figure was projected to increase to 1.14 million by 2014. Despite improvements
in the country’s Human Development Index, street children remain among the most
marginalized groups, suffering from extreme poverty, lack of education, and limited access to
basic services.
India :
India is home to approximately 18 million street children, with over one million each in
major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These children are predominantly
male, with an average age of 14, though girls often face additional risks such as being lured
into prostitution. The phenomenon is fueled by unemployment, rural-urban migration, and
poverty, with over 32% of the population living below the poverty line. The rapid economic
growth in India has widened the gap between the rich and the poor, leaving street children
vulnerable to labor exploitation and neglect.
Indonesia :
In Indonesia, a 2007 study estimated the number of street children to be around 170,000,
with many living in cities like Yogyakarta, where 1,600 were identified in 2000, including 500
girls aged 4-16. The 1997 Asian financial crisis significantly contributed to the rise in street
children, forcing many into informal work or begging. Girls are particularly vulnerable to
abuse and societal stigmatization, often being labeled as prostitutes. Street children in
Indonesia are frequently seen as a nuisance and face mistreatment, including confiscation of
belongings and detention by authorities.

Street Children and Their Access to Basic Rights: An Analysis of Pakistani Society in the light of the Fundamental Human
Rights Provided by Islam, State Legislation and UNO Charter
UNICEF Bangladesh – Street Children Report , UNICEF India – Street Children Report , UNICEF Indonesia – Street Children
Report
2.3.Street children in Pakistan
Pakistan, with a population of 242.8 million as of the 2024 World Population Data Sheet, is
the sixth most populous country in the world, projected to maintain this position by 2050
with an estimated population of 363 million. The country has a population growth rate of
1.95%, higher than the average for South Asia. Approximately 56% of the population falls
within the productive age group of 15-64 years, presenting a potential demographic dividend
if adequately educated, trained, and provided with health facilities. Meanwhile, 41% of the
population is aged 0-14, an economically dependent group requiring significant resources
such as education and healthcare.
Despite traditional and legal emphasis on parental care for children, a significant portion of
young people in Pakistan contributes to the labor force due to economic challenges. Around
14.5% of children aged 10-14 and 51% of those aged 15-19 are part of the workforce, often
engaged in unregulated and exploitative jobs.
Street children represent a growing yet neglected issue in Pakistan. As of 2002, approximately
1.2 million children were living on the streets, with numbers increasing by 5% annually.
Major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta host thousands of these children, many
working as beggars, vendors, or shoeshine workers.
Income based poverty
24.2%

2.4. Problems faced by Street children in Pakistan

Poverty:
According to United nation annual report 2021 , Pakistan
has a poverty rate of 24.3% (income based) and 38.3%
(multidimensional poverty), which significantly impacts
multidimenional poverty
children. Most street children come from impoverished 75.8%

families or are abandoned due to financial constraints Figure 1 : Poverty analysis

illiterate primary

Access to proper Education : secondary or above

Quranic
Quranic

14%
According to a report by Azad foundation , a high secondary or above
2.6%
percentage of children were illiterate and never attended
school.
primary
19.7%
Sexual Abuse and exploitation:
illiterate
63.6%
Child abuse, particularly sexual exploitation, is shockingly
prevalent among street children. It is reported that 90% of the
estimated 1.5 million street children in Pakistan have suffered Figure 2 : Education analysis
sexual abuse. Tragically, one in ten children who are abused
is murdered by the perpetrator to conceal the crime. In 2021
(as per Sahil‟s ,Cruel Numbers 2021‟) total 3852 cases of
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) had been reported across the
country. Over 10 children are reportedly abused per day.
Children aged 11-15 years are the most vulnerable.
90%
Figure 2 : Abuse analysis

Situational Analysis of children in Pakistan By UNICEF 2021

Situational Analysis of Street Children in Lahore
Drug Usage :
According to UNODC Pakistan 2024 study, it has been
estimated that the number of street children in the four
provincial capitals of Pakistan are 30000-35000. Out of which
30% are using different type of drugs.

Child Labour :
According to the Situation Analysis Update 2020, provincial
analysis of children between 10 and 14 years old who are
engaged in economic activities reveals that Punjab has the
highest proportion of child labourers (10.32 percent),
followed by Sindh (7.16 percent), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4.57
percent) and Balochistan (4.33 percent). Figure 4 : Child Labour analysis

2.5. Effects on Street Children

Situational Analysis of children in Pakistan By UNICEF 2021.

The State of the World's Children by UNICEF and UNESCO reports.
3.Role of Organizations in the protection of Street Children
3.1.Global Organization

UNICEF plays a pivotal role in addressing the plight of street children in Pakistan through
advocacy, direct interventions, and partnerships with government and local organizations. It
supports the implementation of child protection policies aligned with the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC), including strengthening laws like the Juvenile Justice System
Ordinance (2000). UNICEF works to provide street children with access to education,
healthcare, and psychosocial support, often through mobile clinics and non-formal learning
programs tailored to their unique needs. It collaborates with local NGOs to rescue children
from exploitative situations, provide shelter, and facilitate family reintegration where
possible.

3.2.Local NGOs

Azaad Foundation
Azaad Foundation operates primarily in Karachi, where it focuses on the rehabilitation and
reintegration of street children. It provides shelter, education, vocational training, and
psychological support to children, aiming to help them transition into a stable life.

SPARC (Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child)

SPARC has a nationwide presence, working in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar,
and Karachi. It addresses issues like child labor, juvenile justice, and violence against children
while advocating for policy reforms and raising public awareness.

Al-Khidmat Foundation
Al-Khidmat operates in major cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar,
and Quetta. Its orphan care and street children programs focuses on providing shelter,
education, healthcare, and emotional support.

SOS Children’s Villages

SOS Villages are established in various cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi,
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Faisalabad. These villages provide long-term care for
orphaned and abandoned children in a family-like setting, offering education, healthcare, and
vocational training.​

3.3. Government Organizations

The Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, 2004 is a legal framework designed to
protect and rehabilitate destitute and neglected children in Punjab, Pakistan. It was
established for child protection institutions to provide shelter, education, healthcare, and
vocational training. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring
the safety and development of vulnerable children.
Official webpages of SPAARC , Al-khidmat Foundation , SOS village and Azaad foundation.
Child Protection & Welfare Bureau
It is a government organization for rescued children who can not be placed in safe family
environment, and has established standardized alternative care institutions. Child Protection
Institutions managed by the Bureau provide residence, food, education, health care,
psychological counseling and recreation to destitute and neglected children upon admission till
the time that the children are reunited into their families.
Located in Anguri Bagh Scheme, Shalimar Link Road, Muslim Colony, Lahore and
accommodates approximately 450 children
59106 children were admitted in CPIs so far in different district offices of the Child
Protection & Welfare Bureau From 2004 to 2023.

3.4.Institutes in Lahore
13 institutes have
been registered in
Lahore in which
18.8 percent is solely
registered with
CPWB .

4.Statistical Data and Feasibility

4.1.Growing Rate of Street children in Pakistan :
Pakistan's total population is approximately 240 million , with children under 18 making up
46% (~110 million). Among them, an estimated 1.5–1.7 million children are categorized as
street children, accounting for about 1.3–1.5% of all children in the country.

PROVINCE NUMBER OF CHILDREN PERCENTAGE

PUNJAB 84,000 7%

SINDH 60,000 5%

KPK 30,000 1.2 %

BALOCHISTAN 18,000 1.5 %

4.2.Rate of Street children in Lahore :

Lahore , being the major city of Punjab contributes to about 29 % which is 24,360 children.

Research papers and reports from UNICEF and Azad Foundation.

Thesis report “INTEGRATING THE ISOLATED A CENTRE FOR NEGLECTED CHILDREN OF SOCIETY”.
 No. of Street Children
30000
Graphical analyis :
25000
The number of street children have
been increasing throughout the 20000
years with major increase through
the time duration between 2005-
15000
2012 due to 2010 floods which led
to major social issues in families of
10000
Lahore .
The data is concluded from the
5000
situational analysis reports of
Unicef throughout the years and
0
Azad foundation 2001. 2001 2005 2012 2019

4.3.Children living in Residential care units

At the time of assessment, the population of
children living in residential care facilities was 5,762
children living in Punjab.
According to the gender composition, 1,871 (32%)
children were girls and 3,891 (68%) were boys
depicting higher proportion of male children in the
facilities.
Majority of the children are in age group of 10 to
14 years.
Female children between 0 to 4 years of age are
higher as compared to girls in other age groups GIRLS BOYS
17.6% comprises of Lahore stats.

Based upon these NGOs registered under Child Protection & Welfare Bureau , each
institute comprises roughly of 100-200 children capacity with a addition of around 450
CP&WB . Still it is not adequate considering the rise of street children and the number
present in recent studies .
Secondly Apart from CP&WB and SOS village , most of the institues focus on one
program only a more holistic approach is required which can cater residential , educational
, healthcare and vocational needs of the children in order to give them a better future .

Mapping & Assessment of Residential Care Facilities in Punjab, Pakistan

4.4. Hotspots in Lahore
LAXMI STATION
7.2%
Based on the findings of the report “A Study BADAMI BAGH
RAILWAY STATION 23.5%
to Identify the Hot Spots of Street Children in 14.4%

Lahore”, following localities are concluded as

hot spots of street children :

Data Darbar REGAL CHOWK

10.8%
Railway station
Minar-e-Pakistan
MINARE PAKISTAN
Laxmi Chock 21.7%

Regal Chowk DATA DARBAR

22.4%
Badami Bagh
The criteria of site selection is based on two aspects :
1. Site surveys to identify street children families .
One part of site surveys is conducted to estimate the needs of the children .
Second part of site surveys is to estimate group typology of street children.
2. Outreach programs to assess the willingness of families in the selected areas.
3. Funding Proposals
Depending upon the research and surveys conducted by Al-Khidmat foundation team
,the probable site location will be in Badami Bagh near Lari Adda.
6.Architecture for Children
Children's architecture must cater to their developmental, psychological, and physical needs. It
should be safe, interactive, and stimulating, fostering growth through thoughtful spatial
planning. Key considerations include child-friendly furniture, non-toxic materials, and spaces
designed for inclusivity and creativity.
Major zones in children-centric architecture include:
Residential Zones: Safe, nurturing spaces that feel like home.
Educational Zones: Classrooms, libraries, and labs that cater to varied learning styles.
Recreational Zones: Playgrounds and creative spaces for leisure.
Rehabilitation Zones: Dedicated areas for therapy and counseling.
Community Engagement Spaces: Areas for interactions that foster social integration.
The zoning should encourage seamless transitions between spaces, providing children with a
sense of continuity and security.

6.1.Typologies for a Street Children Welfare Centre

Integrated Campus: Combines all facilities in one location, creating a unified environment.
Urban-Embedded Units: Satellite centers located within urban neighborhoods for
accessibility.
Cluster Housing: Small groups of residential units with shared services.
Nature-Focused Layouts: Incorporates natural landscapes for emotional and physical
healing.
Hybrid Models: Combines temporary shelters with long-term residential facilities.

6.2.Residential Zone
Types of Dormitories
Large Shared Spaces:
Dormitories with bunk beds are designed to foster a sense of community and teamwork among
children.
Semi-Private Cubicles:
These spaces are partitioned to give children a balance between personal privacy and social
interaction. Cubicles can include a bed, a small desk, and shelves, encouraging personal
responsibility and organization.
Individual Rooms
For children who require intensive care or therapy, these rooms offer complete privacy,
promoting a sense of safety and personal space. Ideally, individual rooms should be located near
supervision areas for the safety of the child.
Family Units
Family-style housing accommodates siblings, preserving their emotional bonds and creating a
supportive micro-environment. Units typically include a shared sleeping space, a small
kitchenette, and a living area.
Cluster Housing
Several small residential units are arranged around a shared courtyard or garden. Each unit
includes bedrooms, a living space, and a shared kitchen, encouraging interaction and teamwork
among residents.
6.3.Educational Zone
Classroom Layouts
1. Traditional Layout
Desks are arranged in straight rows, all facing a single focal point (the teacher’s desk
or blackboard).The teacher remains the central authority figure, and this layout
emphasizes discipline, structure, and focus.
2. Creative Layout
Flexible seating arrangements like beanbags, stools, and low desks are combined with
colorful, engaging environments. Classrooms are often divided into thematic zones:
art corners, reading nooks, or science tables, allowing students to move around based
on activities.
Walls may feature chalkboards, pinboards, or interactive digital screens.
Cooperative Layout
Desks or seating arrangements are circular or grouped in clusters, fostering
interaction and teamwork. Each group may have a central table with shared
resources like books or materials.

6.4.Vocational Centre
A vocational center is an educational facility designed to provide practical training and skills
development for specific trades or professions. These centers focus on hands-on learning,
offering courses that prepare individuals for direct employment or entrepreneurship in
various fields such as technology, crafts, or industrial work. They aim to enhance
employability, foster self-reliance, and contribute to community development.

Skill Segregation Based on Gender

Girls:
Tailoring: Training in designing, cutting, and sewing clothing and textiles for potential
careers in fashion or garment industries.
Cooking: Education in food preparation and safety, focusing on culinary techniques that
can lead to jobs in the hospitality sector.
Creative Arts: Involves painting, pottery, and crafting, fostering creativity and providing
outlets for artistic expression.

Boys:
Carpentry: Teaches woodworking, furniture making, and repair techniques for skilled
trade roles.
Automotive Repair: Focuses on vehicle diagnostics and maintenance, preparing
individuals for technical and mechanical professions.
IT Skills: Basic to advanced training in computer operation.

Gender-Neutral Skills:
Digital Literacy: Training in basic computer skills, internet use, and digital communication.
6.5.Rehabilitation zone
Physical Rehabilitation:
Focused on restoring movement and strength through therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy,
and mobility aids.
Mental Health Rehabilitation:
Addresses emotional and psychological well-being with counseling, therapy sessions, and
stress-relief activities.
Social Rehabilitation:
Aims to reintegrate individuals into society through skill-building, group interactions, and
community engagement programs.

6.6.Psychology of Space
The psychology of space refers to the impact of spatial environments on human emotions,
behaviors, and well-being. It encompasses how design elements like layout, colors, and
textures influence mood, productivity, and interpersonal interactions.

Key Factors:
1. Open Spaces: Foster interaction and movement.
2. Private Areas: Provide solitude and reflection for mental health.
3. Dynamic Zones: Encourage creativity and active engagement.

6.6.Recreational Zone
A recreational zone is a designated area offering activities and spaces for relaxation, play,
and social interaction. These zones contribute to physical health, mental relaxation, and
community bonding.

Types of Recreational Areas

Outdoor Playgrounds:
Spaces with equipment for physical play and sports.
Indoor Play Areas:
Zones for safe, weather-independent activities.
Nature Trails:
Pathways for exploration and connection with nature.
Creative Hubs:
Rooms for art, music, and craft activities.
Multipurpose Halls:
Spaces for group performances and events.

6.7.Healing Zones
Healing architecture refers to the design of spaces that promote physical and emotional well-
being. It integrates elements such as nature, light, sound, and texture to create a calming,
restorative environment.
Six Aspects of Healing:

Healing Through Nature:

Incorporates greenery to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Healing Through Water:
Utilizes water features for tranquility and sensory engagement.
Healing Through Light:
Prioritizes natural and warm artificial lighting for comfort.
Healing Through Sound:
Minimizes noise pollution while incorporating calming sounds.
Healing Through Materials/Textures:
Features natural, tactile materials for sensory comfort.
Healing Through Smell:
Uses pleasant scents like flowers or essential oils for relaxation.

6.8.Color Psychology for Children

Color psychology studies how colors influence human emotions and behaviors. For children,
specific colors are chosen to stimulate or calm them based on their developmental needs.

Kellert, S. R. (2015). Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life.
Day, C. (2007). Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art.
UNICEF (2011). The State of the World’s Children.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective.
Lawson, B. (2001). The Language of Space.