India lags in child rights’ implementation

A review of the implementation of Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in the country has revealed that though many useful laws came into existence due to CRC, incidents of violence against children have grown, and they are still deprived of their rights. 

India ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of
Children in 1992. 

A study was conducted to take stock of the changes in the socio-economic, political and cultural context in the last two decades since the ratification of the convention. 

The study was co-ordinated and anchored by HAQ: Centre for Child Rights, New Delhi, and supported by Terre Des Hommes, Germany. 

A discussion was held in the city on the report. 

Representatives from child rights organisations from various states attended the programme. 

The report is a result of almost two years of work in which more than a hundred organisations have been involved. 

Stating the conclusions, Bharti Ali, co-ordinator, HAQ: Centre for Child Rights, said, “Though we have achieved many things due to CRC, the condition of children calls for urgent attention. Absence of disaggregated and district level data on children, especially child protection, has affected both planning and monitoring progress,” she said. 

She also added that ratification of CRC brought in good changes, but they were not carried forward properly. 

Ali said that they faced problem in getting the required data about various schemes and projects run by the government. 

Lack of co-ordination among government departments is marring its purpose, she said. Increase in violent crimes against and by children indicates lack of attention to providing children a safe and secure environment, said Ali. 

Malnutrition has increased even among urban poor, psychological problems among children are increasing; rise in child labour and child abuse is another concern, she said. 

She pointed out that inclusive education is not happening and the disabled are deprived of right to education. Deputy regional co-ordinator of Terre des homes, Germany, Ingrid Mendonca, said that the situation of children in India depicts its future. More efforts are needed to secure children for future development. 

Senior scribes from various newspapers participated in the discussion. They supported the rights of children and resolved to use the media to raise their issues.