India’s inclusion in the United Nations General Assembly Security Council’s report on Children and Armed Conflict has been a cause for concern. However, through dedicated efforts and proactive measures, the Indian government has successfully enhanced child protection, resulting in India’s exclusion from the Secretary-General’s report.
A Comprehensive Roadmap for Cooperation:
- Leadership and Guidance: The Union Minister of Women and Child Development played a pivotal role in formulating a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation and collaboration on child protection. This roadmap served as a foundation for subsequent initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection measures in India.
- Technical Team Visit: In July 2022, a technical team from the office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General visited India to assess the country’s child protection efforts. This visit provided valuable insights and recommendations to further enhance child protection measures.
Workshop on Strengthening Child Protection:
- Collaboration and Participation: In November 2022, a workshop on strengthening child protection was organized in Jammu and Kashmir. This workshop was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the United Nations. The active participation of stakeholders ensured a holistic approach to child protection.
- Sharing Best Practices: The workshop served as a platform to share best practices, exchange knowledge, and learn from international experiences in child protection. This exchange of ideas facilitated the development of effective strategies to safeguard the rights and well-being of children in India.
Statutory Service Delivery Structures:
- Child Welfare Committee: As part of India’s commitment to child protection, statutory service delivery structures have been established, such as the Child Welfare Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection.
- Juvenile Justice Boards: The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 paved the way for the establishment of Juvenile Justice Boards. These boards focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of children in conflict with the law, emphasizing their rights and holistic development.
- Recognition by the United Nations: The concerted efforts and measures taken by the Indian government to enhance child protection have been recognized and acknowledged by the United Nations. As a result, India’s name has been removed from the Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict. This development reflects the commitment and dedication of the Indian government to safeguard the rights and well-being of children across the country.
