India’s removal from the UN report on children and armed conflict is indeed seen as a remarkable achievement and a testament to the country’s commitment to improving child protection. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by SmritiIrani, played a crucial role in implementing various policies and institutional changes to ensure the well-being and rights of children, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) . India’s efforts included establishing statutory service delivery structures, providing training to security forces, and enforcing relevant legislation. These measures were aimed at creating a safer environment for children affected by armed conflict and fulfilling India’s international obligations in terms of child protection. The decision to remove India from the UN Secretary-General’s periodic report on the impact of armed conflict on children, as acknowledged by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reflects India’s commitment to child protection and recognizes the positive steps taken by the country in strengthening child protection measures. This marks a significant milestone for India, considering it had been included in the report since 2010. Initially, India was included in the report based on allegations of armed groups recruiting young boys in Jammu and Kashmir and security forces detaining boys due to their association with such groups. However, the collaborative efforts between the Govt of Indian and the United Nations, including engagement with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, have led to India’s removal from the list. Globally, the impact of armed conflict on children remains a serious concern. Guterres’ annual report highlighted the disproportionate burden children bear in such conflicts, with grave violations including killing, maiming, recruitment and use, abduction, and detention. The report verified a staggering number of grave violations in 2022, affecting thousands of children across various situations. In India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with other government agencies, worked tirelessly to address the concerns raised in the UN report. Indevar Pandey, the WCD Secretary, expressed satisfaction with the achievement of India’s removal from the list after 12 years. While acknowledging past shortcomings, such as the lack of proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and ineffective functioning of juvenile homes, Pandey emphasized the significant progress made. The government’s intervention led to the establishment of child welfare panels, juvenile justice boards, and child care homes, which play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and protection of children. Overall, India’s removal from the UN report on children and armed conflict reflects the country’s commitment to child protection and its efforts to create a safer environment for children affected by armed conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India has taken several steps to protect children and address the issues related to child welfare. Here are some of the measures that have been implemented:
1. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: The Indian government has enforced the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection, care, and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection. This act established Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards to address the issues related to children.
2. Child Care Homes: Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, Child Care Homes have been established to provide shelter, care, and rehabilitation to children in need of care and protection. These homes aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who are vulnerable or have been victims of abuse or neglect.
3. Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012: The government is actively enforcing the POCSO Act, 2012, which is specifically designed to address the issue of child sexual abuse. This act aims to provide a child-friendly legal framework for the protection, treatment, and support of child victims of sexual offenses.
4. Training programs: Training programs have been conducted for security forces and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and sensitize them about child rights and protection. These programs aim to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
5. Suspension of pellet guns: The use of pellet guns, which were previously used by security forces, has been suspended. This step has been taken to prevent harm to children and minimize the risk of injuries.
6. Improved accessibility to child protection services: Efforts have been made to improve the accessibility of child protection services in various states, including Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir. This includes establishing infrastructure, such as Child Welfare Committees and Child Care Homes, to ensure that children in need of care and protection have access to appropriate services.
7. Jammu and Kashmir Commission for the Protection of Child Rights: The establishment of the Jammu and Kashmir Commission for the Protection of Child Rights is an important step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the region. These are some of the steps taken by the government to protect children and ensure their well-being. Efforts are being made to strengthen the legal and administrative frameworks and improve the implementation of child protection laws across the country.
Efforts should focus on promoting the rights of children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
More Findings : Countries with the highest number of violations against children: According to the UN Secretary-General’s report, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Yemen had the highest number of reported violations against children. These violations may include various forms of abuse, exploitation, recruitment of child soldiers, or other harmful acts. Countries experiencing the worst deterioration: The situation in Myanmar, South Sudan, and Burkina Faso was noted as having significantly deteriorated. This suggests that the conditions for children in these countries have worsened, potentially leading to increased risks and violations.
Increase in attacks on schools and hospitals: The report highlighted a disturbing trend of increased attacks on schools and hospitals. This includes instances where armed forces and armed groups utilize schools for military purposes. Such actions endanger the lives of children and disrupt their access to education and healthcare.
Challenges in monitoring and verifying violations: The report acknowledged the difficulties in effectively monitoring and verifying violations against children. Factors such as limited access to conflict zones, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and underreporting of incidents make it challenging to obtain accurate data and take appropriate actions to protect children.
Need for increased efforts to protect children: The report emphasized the importance of enhanced efforts to safeguard children affected by armed conflict. This includes implementing measures to prevent violations, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing support and assistance to affected children. These findings underline the urgent need for collective action and international cooperation to address the grave violations faced by children in conflict-affected regions. Efforts should focus on promoting the rights of children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
(The author works on peace initiatives in Kashmir and writes on Polity, Governance Art and culture. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
