Dr. Bilal Ahmad & Bazila Manzoor
Children are the future of any society, and their well-being and safety are of utmost importance. Child rights and child abuse are two interconnected concepts that have gained significant attention in recent years. In this article, we will discuss child rights, the different forms of child abuse, and the measures that can be taken to prevent and address child abuse.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as, “A human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.” The rights of children are protected under various religious laws and customs, which can vary significantly. The key points regarding child rights in different religions are:
(a) Hinduism: Under Hindu law, children are considered legitimate if born of a valid marriage. Custody is often determined by the father, but modern interpretations prioritize the child’s welfare.
(b) Sikhism: In Sikhism, children are considered heirs and are entitled to inherit property. Custody is typically granted to the father, but modern interpretations also consider the child’s welfare.
(c) Buddhism: In Buddhism, children are considered heirs and are entitled to inherit property. Custody is typically granted to the father, but modern interpretations also consider the child’s welfare.
(d) Islam: In Islamic law, children are considered heirs and are entitled to inherit property. Custody is typically granted to the father, but modern interpretations also consider the child’s welfare.
(c) Christianity: In Christianity, children are considered heirs and are entitled to inherit property. Custody is often determined by the father, but modern interpretations prioritize the child’s welfare. These laws and customs reflect the diverse ways in which different religions approach the rights of children, often influenced by cultural, religious, and societal values. It is essential to recognize and respect these differences to ensure that children’s rights are upheld and protected across all religious communities.
We have seen that Allah has established in the Quran that children are among the greatest treasures and blessings of this world (Sûrat Al-Kahf, 18:46). Moreover, desiring and having children is the sunnah of the prophets and messengers. Long without heir, the aged Prophet Zakariyyah (A.S) entreated his Lord with utter sincerity, saying: And [mention the tiding of] Zachariah. Behold! He called upon his Lord: My Lord! Leave me not alone [childless] when You are the best of inheritors (Sûrat Al-Anbîyyâ’, 21:89). The Quran gives us this and other examples of the righteous believers’ sincerely seeking wholesome, believing offspring through supplication. Even those whom Allah tests by withholding children from them follow this great sunnah of engaging Allah with sincere duʿâ’ for the divine blessing of righteous children. Thus, if we desire to follow in the footsteps of the prophets, we too must make the same supplications they made and believe with strong imân (faith) that Allah alone is the One who gives and takes, and He alone has the power to grant us righteous progeny. In his book The Rights of Children, Aḥmad Shawqî Ibrâhîm highlights 10 rights of the unborn child (the fetus) over his parents, as well as a child’s rights during and following birth. To put this in context, Islam enshrines five protections endowed to human beings by Allah, and with which He encumbers us to preserve for ourselves and all others: Protection of lineage, self, mind, wealth, and religion. Protection of lineage entails more than raising a pious child. It begins even before that child is born, encompassing the duty of a man and a woman to make of themselves righteous believers, a man choosing for himself a righteous woman in marriage, and a woman so choosing a righteous man. There is a great reward for those who raise their childrens properly as they are source of light, a shield from hellfire, and a means of continued good deeds. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) speaks words of high promise to the struggling parents and told if one has three daughters raises them properly and bears troubles caused by them patiently, Allah will elevate him to the highest level of Paradise. A life is a life, in womb or after birth.Islam strictly forbids taking the life of children. Allah says in Sûrat Al-Isrâ’: And you shall not ever kill your children for fear of indigence. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, [the act] of killing them is an enormous sin (Sûrat Al-Isrâ’, 17:31). In Islam, Nafaqah (providing for wife and children) is among a husband’s prime responsibilities. This includes food, drink, clothing, shelter, and medicine.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s development across emotional, cognitive, social, and physical domains, influencing their overall well-being and future success.We often hear about the rights of our parents in Islam.Our mothers, our mothers, our mothers…then our fathers—this has been ingrained in our minds from first we could talk. And how important it is that we respect them, serve them, care for them (especially in their agedness) and, above all, honor them.The rights of parents in Islam include profound respect, kindness, and obedience, which are considered acts of worship second only to the right of God. Children must care for their parents, especially in old age, and continue to pray for their souls even after they pass away. Children are taught to speak softly, listen attentively, and avoid any behavior that causes parents grief or distress. The key rights of parents are
(i) Respect, Kindness: Children must treat their parents with kindness and speak to them with respect, using soft words and a good attitude. Raising one’s voice or causing them harm is forbidden.
(ii) Obedience: Children are obligated to obey their parents’ orders as long as they fall within the limits of Islamic law.
(iii) Care, Support: It is a duty to serve and take care of parents by fulfilling their needs, especially when they are old. (iv) Gratitude and prayer: Children should be grateful to their parents for the sacrifices they made, which is a form of worship. This duty continues after death through prayer and by honoring their friends. Further, we can say
(a) Right To A Good Example: Parents have the right to receive good behavior and a positive example from their children, which is seen as a way for children to gain divine rewards.
(b) Elevated Status: The importance of honoring parents is emphasized in religious texts, with some sayings suggesting a child’s relationship with their parents is a path to both heaven and hell.
(C) Child Rights: Child rights refer to the rights and entitlements that every child is born with, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. These rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989. The UNCRC recognizes four categories of child rights:
(1) Survival Rights: These include the right to life, health, and nutrition.
(2) Development Rights: These include the right to education, play, and leisure.
(3) Protection Rights: These include the right to protection from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
(4) Participation Rights: These include the right to express opinions, participate in decisions, and join associations.
“Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) are key statutory bodies dedicated to resolving issues affecting children, such as sexual abuse, trafficking, forced labor, and abduction. For reporting or intervention on these matters, individuals must contact the CWC, JJB, Police, a Social worker, or a relevant NGO.”
Child Abuse: Child abuse refers to any form of physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a child. It can take many forms, including:
(1) Physical Abuse: Physical abuse involves the use of physical force or violence that causes harm or injury to a child. Examples include hitting, kicking, and shaking.
(2) Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse involves behavior that causes a child emotional harm or distress. Examples include name-calling, rejection, and humiliation.
(3) Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual contact or exploitation of a child. Examples include rape, molestation, and prostitution.
Neglect: Neglect involves the failure to provide a child with basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Child abuse can have severe and long-lasting consequences for a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Some of the consequences include:
(1) Physical harm: Child abuse can result in physical injuries, disabilities, and even death.
(2) Emotional trauma: Child abuse can cause emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression.
(3) Behavioral problems: Child abuse can lead to behavioral problems, such as aggression, substance abuse, and delinquency.
(4) Difficulty forming relationships: Child abuse can make it difficult for a child to form healthy relationships with others.
Measures to Prevent, Address Child Abuse: Preventing and addressing child abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that involves governments, communities, families, and individuals. Some measures include:
(1) Strengthening Laws, Policies: Governments should strengthen laws and policies to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
(2) Raising Awareness: Communities should raise awareness about child abuse and its consequences.
(3) Supporting Families: Families should receive support and resources to help them care for their children.
(4) Providing Services: Governments and organizations should provide services, such as counseling and therapy, to help children who have been abused.
(5) Encouraging Reporting: Communities should encourage reporting of suspected child abuse cases.
Role Of Individuals: Individuals can play a crucial role in preventing and addressing child abuse. Some ways individuals can help include:
(1) Reporting Suspected Abuse: If you suspect child abuse, report it to the authorities immediately.
(2) Supporting Organizations: Support organizations that work to prevent child abuse and protect children’s rights.
(3) Educating Others: Educate others about child abuse and its consequences.
(4) Volunteering: Volunteer your time to help organizations that support children who have been abused.
The statistics on child abuse are alarming, with millions of children worldwide affected by various forms of abuse. In 2024, an estimated 558,899 children were confirmed victims of abuse and neglect in the U.S., highlighting a persistent crisis that demands urgent attention and intervention. Approximately 1 in 7 children experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year, indicating that many cases go unreported. The various types of Abuse:
(i) In 2024, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experienced sexual abuse during childhood. Notably, 93% of sexually abused children were abused by someone they knew and trusted.
(ii) Child Fatalities: Tragically, 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect in 2024, with a national fatality rate of 2.73 per 100,000 children. Infants under one year old accounted for 44.7% of these fatalities, making them particularly vulnerable.
(iii) Economic Impact: The total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was estimated at $592 billion in 2018, reflecting the long-term costs to society.
(iv) Support Services: In 2024, Children’s Advocacy Centers provided trauma-informed support to over 372,000 children, offering essential services such as advocacy and mental health support.
The statistics reveal a critical need for enhanced child protection policies, community-based prevention programs, and increased awareness to combat the ongoing crisis of child abuse. Addressing the root causes and providing support for affected children and families is essential for fostering a safer environment for all children. Kashmir is grappling with a disturbing rise in child abuse cases, with 310 reported incidents in 2024-25, primarily in Srinagar and Jammu districts. This increase is attributed to improved reporting mechanisms and awareness, rather than an actual surge in cases. Some recent cases reported in media are
(i) A faith healer, Aijaz Sheikh, was sentenced to 14 years for child abuse, highlighting the exploitation of Kashmir’s deep faith.
(ii) A teacher in Handwara threatened a student with an axe, showcasing the alarming trend of abuse in educational settings.
(iii) A minor boy suffered a pellet injury in his eye during a protest in Pulwama, underscoring the region’s socio-political turbulence.
(iv) The district Administration Rajouri recently suspended Principal, three staffers over misconduct allegations at GHSS Ghambir Mughlan on the basis of complaint supported by viral CCTV clip. The main factors linked with the child abuse are
(i) Increased awareness and reporting due to stricter laws like the J&K POCSO Act, 2018
(ii) Growing use of smartphones and social media, exposing children to online abuse
(iii) Weak reporting systems and societal stigma surrounding child abuse. In brief, child rights and child abuse are critical issues that require attention and action from governments, communities, families, and individuals.
By understanding child rights and the different forms of child abuse, we can work together to prevent and address child abuse. We must create a safe and supportive environment for children to grow and develop, and ensure that their rights are protected and respected. It is recommended that
(i) Governments should strengthen laws and policies to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
(ii) (ii) Communities should raise awareness about child abuse and its consequences.
(iii) (iii) Families should receive support and resources to help them care for their children.
(iv) Governments and organizations should provide services, such as counseling and therapy, to help children who have been abused.And
(v) Individuals should report suspected child abuse cases and support organizations that work to prevent child abuse.
Juvenile Boards and Child welfare committees are designed to solve problems related to children. One must contact CWC, JJB, Police, Social worker or any NGO to tackle the child related problem such as sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking, forced labour and abduction.
(While Dr. Bilal A Bhat is Professor at Statistics Department, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, Bazila Manzoor is a Research Scholar in Political Science at IGNOU, New Delhi. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
