Consultation on Nutrition & the Right to Food in Sindh: A Multi-Stakeholder Call to Action
The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with the National Advocacy for Rights of Innocent (NARI) Foundation, hosted a high-impact Policy & Advocacy Session on Nutrition to address urgent issues around malnutrition, food insecurity, and the Right to Food—especially for women and children in underserved areas.
Key Highlights:
Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson SHRC, stressed the need for District Health Officers (DHOs) to lead grassroots awareness campaigns, ensuring outreach to Taluka and Union Council levels. SHRC’s pilot initiatives will begin in Sukkur, in partnership with local NGOs and civil society.
Mr. Detho called for stronger oversight from the Standing Committee on Health and emphasized that SHRC’s role goes beyond handling complaints. “We review laws, align them with international frameworks like the Geneva Conventions and Article 38(d) of the Constitution, and push for accountability.”
The session spotlighted the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023. SHRC has constituted a dedicated implementation committee to advance the law's rollout.
Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights, served as Chief Guest, affirming government support. He urged integration of rural food resources, like milk from cattle and goats, into nutrition planning and called for school-based nutrition programs in underserved areas.
Kashif Siddiqui and Mr. Abbasi from the NARI Foundation shared insights on community-led reforms and announced that the Deputy Commissioner of Sukkur has been formally notified to support local initiatives—marking a positive shift in local government ownership.
Dr. Fouzia Hameed, MPA, raised concerns around neglected women's health issues such as PCOS, pregnancy complications, and lack of daycare facilities. She called for cross-party collaboration to address systemic gaps.
Dr. Rano Mal of the International Rescue Committee shared updates on multi-stakeholder strategies being developed with MPA Dr. Fozia and the European Union to link nutrition policies with climate resilience.
