More than 200 students from all over Karnataka participated in a rally conducted by the UN Child Rights Convention to talk about their rights and demands. It started in front of Vidhan Soudha and went till Bal Bhavana.
Children from government schools and primary schools of various taluks were present, who got to know about it from the NGOs. Talking to the children revealed that they were well aware of what their rights are and how to demand for them. Mohammad Rafi, an 8th standard student said, “If we ever fall into trouble we will call the child helpline number 1098”. He also informed that his school conducts child awareness programme once every month.
1567 cases have been registered under POCSO Act till September 2019 and most of the cases received are under the right to education, physical abuse and mental harassment.
Dr Anthony Sebastion, the chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, who was also one of the prominent faces in the event said, “Awareness is created amongst public so cases are coming up more and more. Commission gets 10-15 cases in daily scenario.” He also ensured that the government has taken steps to make sure that justice is given to victims of POCSO cases as early as possible.
Vani, a mother to a 2-year-old commented that she would like the government to improve the infrastructure of parks, schools and public spaces to ensure the safety of children.
The Chief Head Officer of UNICEF, Neythal, gave her insights into the matter. “UNICEF works very closely with the government in order to help them and strategize and come up with the best road maps that they can, in each area they are overseeing.
Wednesday, 20th of November marked the 65th Year of Universal Children’s Day.
