Children’s bright future is essential for shaping a developed nation. When a child has equal rights of education, positive environment, and all the necessary nutrients. This makes a child mentally and physically stronger and later prepares them to contribute to nation building. But what about children's rights violations when they are forced to do things that are not appropriate for their childhood. Here, child rights play a significant role. They provide security, a safe environment and ensure each and every child receives equal education whether coming from a venerable community or backward classes. Child rights ensures the safety, nutrition support, education and growth of the child. That is why child rights are important for each child in India. Here in this blog we are shedding light on important child rights that are indispensable for making confident and empowered children.
Non governments organization role is significant to protect child rights. NGO is the organization that provides support to women and children, especially to those who belong to the impoverished background. One such organization is Delhi-based Sshrishti NGO which is working for women empowerment and child education. Their prime focused programmes are remedial activities for slow learners, foundational learning and digital literacy. Through their volunteer programmes they are reaching to the people who could not access education and government schemes.
Child rights are a part of human rights that are made to protect and support every individual child under the age of 18. Indian Constitution Article 15(3) states that the government can make special provisions for children to protect their concerns.
According to Section 2(6) of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, child rights include the rights mentioned in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This convention was adopted on 20 November 1989 and accepted by the Government of India on 11 December 1992 in order to protect the child's future.
The rights mentioned in the UNCRC can be defined into four main categories:
Every child has the right to live a healthy life, therefore it is their right to get basic healthcare and proper nutrition. Infant mortality rates, malnutrition are serious issues that may affect this right especially in Indian rural areas. In many places children still lack to get the necessary nutrients and proper medical care. Although programs like the mid-day meal initiative and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) have made a difference in society and nation to reduce certain add numbers. But there is still much more work that still needs to be done. Investing in healthcare and nutrition is vital for healthy children and is the foundation of a prosperous future.
Education is the key element to overcome poverty like a serious challenge. So, the Right to Education (RTE) Act promises free and compulsory education to each child. From ages 6 to 14 years. However, many children, especially girls coming from vulnerable communities, still face challenges to access education. Factors such as poverty, old believes, and child labour compel them to drop idea of getting education.
For a nation's growth It’s important to build a safe and welcoming environment in schools to encourage students to learn and achieve growth. Empowering girls through education is also necessary to bring change in society, as educated women contribute to building communities and generations.
Every child deserves protection from any type of physical and mental harm. Unfortunately, there exist an awful issues in our society including child labour, human trafficking, organ smuggling etc. All these are still common in some places in India. Despite making laws that safeguards children, many children still suffer with these challenges in silence.
As it is said that prevention is always better than cure, so it’s essential to focus on protecting children before harm. Making strong and effective laws, providing supportive networks of NGOs, and creating safe environments can help children grow in a harm free space. As a responsible citizen it is important to keep in mind that it is an equal responsibility of each one of us to raise a healthy and happy child.
The constitution of India gives the right to each child to express their thoughts and participate in decisions that later affect their lives. By involving children in thought provoking conversations, we can help them be aware about their rights, role and responsibilities towards the nation. This fosters a sense of belonging in them.
Various initiatives like student parliaments also give them confidence to share their views and opinions in decision-making processes. In this way we empower children and give them a unique voice. Their thoughts are essential for society development. It helps us to make a community where everyone’s thoughts are listened to and valued.
Children are considered a foundation of the nation. Therefore, their present and future need to be secured so they can grow without facing problems. When children freely go to school, participate in different activities and be aware of their each right they achieve confidence and. Even after making rights and appropriate laws India still lacks to provide a great future to many children. This is due to various societal challenges such as child labour, abuse, organ trafficking, child smuggling etc. All these concerns still need to be addressed through making policies, specific laws, and safe environments.
