Why Child Rights Matter

Childhood is glorified by writers, poets, thinkers, educators, teachers and so many others. Have you wondered why there is so much importance given to children even in the Indian Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy? Truth is that childhood is a critical period in the life of an individual because abilities and vulnerabilities are molded and developed based on the influence in the social environment. For the same reason, protection of the child and being aware of child rights is important for the well being of every country.

Who is a Child?

International law treats a child as a human being who is under 18 years of age. An international agreement was ratified by 192 states across the world based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The purpose of this legal instrument was to promote and foster initatives for Child Protection and Child Rights. It envisioned policies, guidelines and procedures with the purpose of protecting children from any form of intentional and unintentional harm.

Why Child Rights are Important

Without adequate legal child protection, it is difficult for children to grow up in a healthy, safe and secure social environment. Improvement and growth are a part of the child's personality developments. Children who grow up in happy and secure environments tend to become responsible citizens. Child protection typically blends in the best aspects of prevention and care as well as recovery and rehabilitation as and when it is required. Children need to be protected from many social evils that are rampant in today's society such as sexual abuse, gender discrimination and emotional, physical or sexual exploitation of any kind.

Why Child Rights are Considered as Fundamental Rights

Child rights are fundamental rights and they apply to children across the world, irrespective of the child's gender, family background, nationality, color, or any other status. 

In 2007, findings based on India's first National Study on Child Abuse was released. The study spanned 13 states and showed the following grim picture pertaining to child abuse in India:

• More than 53% of the children suffered one or more forms of sexual abuse.
• 50% of the sexual offenders occupied positions of trust for the victimized children.
• Boys had as much risk as girls.
• The age 11 to 16 years marked the most targeted age group for extreme sexual abuse.

Right of the Child to Live with Dignity

The right to live with dignity is important for a child to develop into a growth oriented individual with the right understanding and confidence to pursue his/her beliefs. A child who undergoes sexual abuse or is forced or trapped into any kind of situation may become scarred for life. Somewhere down the lane, we have missed this important fact. Let's treat children with respect and not violate their rights. Spread the awareness against child abuse, gender discrimination and any form of child oppression. Remember, the culture and future of a society depends on the happiness quotient in the lives of its children.