The children

Children's Day 2007

No.NCPCR/CP/Bal Divas/2007               

Dated the 11th October 2007

CIRCULAR

Message from Smt. Shantha Sinha, Chairperson,
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Government of India

November 14th is a celebration of ‘Children’s Day’ in the memory of our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Fondly known as Chacha Nehru his message was clear. Children came first for him and he sought to provide our children with childhood. This meant a safe and loving environment in which to grow as well as giving every child ample and equal opportunity through which they can take great strides and contribute to the progress of the nation. Children’s Day serves as a reminder to each and every one of us, to renew our commitment to children

To make the day meaningful for children and their well-being the NCPCR appeals to all the schools in the country to take up the following tasks in the schools, hostels, orphanages, juvenile observation homes, children’s homes and shelter homes and all other public institutions meant for children.

Read out the articles from the UN Convention on the Child Rights in every class, with focus on the following sections and discuss them with children:

• Article 2: All Children have rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, whether they are rich or poor.  No child should be treated unfairly on any basis.
• Article 12: You have the right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously.
• Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind.
• Article 23: You have the right to special education and care if you have a disability, as well as all the rights in this Convention so that you can live a full life.
• Article 24: You have the right to the best health care possible safe water to drink, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help you stay well.
• Article 26: You have the right to help from the Government if you are poor or in need.
• Article 27: You have the right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have your basic needs met.  You should not be disadvantaged so that you can’t do many of the things other kids can do.
• Article 28: You have the right to a good quality education.  You should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level you can.
• Article 31: You have the right to play and rest.
• Article 32: You have the right to protection from work that harms you, and is bad for your health and education.
• Article 36: You have the right to protection from any kind of exploitation (being taken advantage of).
• Article 42: You have the right to know about your rights.  Adults should know these rights and help you learn about them, too.

Hold essay writing, elocution and drawing competitions on children’s perspectives on child rights.

All schools and related institutions may be encouraged to forward the prize winning essay, drawings, poems and any other material to the Chairperson, NCPCR.  This material will be compiled for larger circulation so a wide audience can share in the expressions of these children’s thoughts and ideas.

Involve local public persons, NGO’s and other friends of children in the celebrations.

(SHANTHA SINHA)

DISTRIBUTION:- District Collectors, All the Districts of India.

C.C.   Chief Secretaries of State Governments/Union Territories.