What's the Importance of Knowing Rights of Children in Today's Time?

A day after the Supreme Court acquitted Surinder Koli in the last pending case linked to the 2006 serial murders that had shocked the nation, commonly known as 'Nithari killings', Koli walked out of the Luksar district jail in Greater Noida yesterday, marking one of the most dark moments in the history of India’s criminal justice system as Koli had, himself admitted to the crime. The Killings had come to light on December 29, 2006, when skeletal remains of eight children were found in a drain behind a house in Noida's Nithari.

While the crimes against children have never declined, this year's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data suggests an increase of 9.2% in 2023, in a report released this year. Apart from that, knowing children's rights is also important because it protects their fundamental human rights - a commitment to safety and opportunities for education and development.

As per UNICEF, knowing the rights is also important in as "research findings show that children's earliest experiences significantly influence their future development. The course of their development determines their contribution, or cost, to society over the course of their lives.

In India, here are some of the fundamental rights that not just the adults but the children must know, and it should be the duty of the adults, parents, and guardians to share these with the children and keep them informed. 

Right to Education

The Right to Education RTE Act, which was enacted in 2009 under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14, regardless of their background. The Act aims to empower communities through School Management Committees and promotes holistic child development. Several NGOs like CRY have been playing an important role in supporting education for underprivileged children.

Right to Protection

Mentioned in Article 21 of the Constitution, it is usually discussed in the context of children in India. It guarantees the protection of rights and also personal liberty. Specific laws like the Human Rights Act, 1983 and the Protection of Civil Rights Acts, 1955 are also instrumental in providing protection. It also deals with issues like child labour and trafficking.

In 'Protection from Exploitation', Article 24 prohibits the employment of children — those who are below 14 — from working in factories, mines or from any other dangerous and hazardous work. 

Moreover, Article 39 (e) also protects children from being forced into occupations or jobs that are unsuited to their age or strength due to economic compulsion. 

Article 39 (f) ensures that children have ample opportunities and facilities for "healthy development" in the surroundings of freedom and dignity, and are protected from exploitation and abandonment.

Why NGOs have to step in

However, what is written on paper has been extremely opposite to the ground realities in India. With around 1.17 million children across India identified as those who are not enrolled in primary, secondary and senior secondary education, or are Out of School Children (OoSC), for the year 2024-25, this situation is grim, as per the latest Union government informing the Lok Sabha in 2024.

As per the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for the year 2023, a total of 177,355 crimes against children were registered across India. Even cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 amounted to 67, 694 which amounts to 38.2% Not to mention that out ot these were the cases of penetrative sexual assault with 40,434 and in most cases, the offenders were known to the victims. 

Working in this regard, hence, are the NGOs like:

Save the Children (Bal Raksha Bharat) with a prime focus on child protection, education, and healthcare.