As parents, we always strive to give our kids the best. Whether it is nutritious food to boost their immunity, outdoor games to keep them fit and healthy, or aptitude books to promote their mental development, we pay close attention to everything. Is this enough to prepare them for the big bad world out there though? Children are the most vulnerable section of society since they’re gullible, impressionable, and defenseless. Differentiating between right and wrong and raising their voice when needed is something that we must teach them responsibly. While we hoist our national flag proudly on Republic Day, do we inform them about our Constitution and their own legal rights? Do they even know that they have them?
Thanks to reporting by activists, journalists, NGOs, social media, parents, and more, we’re now acutely aware of the injustice meted out to innocent, underage children around the world. Closer home, child labour, mental and physical abuse, deprivation of food and primary healthcare, bad hygiene, and drinking water are just some of the clutches that we have to free them from. After all, they’re the future of our country and deserve a fighting chance, yes? Let’s start with our own homes and ensure that our children know their legal rights and when to exercise them.
Basic Legal Rights of children in India
Right to Survival – There’s a place for every child in this world. This includes the right to be born and receive every bare minimum thing to live like food, clothing, and shelter. Also, they must have access to clean drinking water, nutritious food, a safe environment, primary healthcare and be able to live their life with dignity.
Right to Protection – As I said earlier, children are vulnerable and need to be protected from violence, abuse, and neglect. This includes protection both from inside and outside the confines of their homes and is one of the most important legal rights for them to know. Additionally, they must be protected from exposure to alcoholism and substance abuse too.
Right to Participation – Being a child does not mean that they don’t have a say in significant matters. The right to freedom of opinion, expression, and association gives every child an independent voice and allows them to express themselves without fear. This also includes the right to information and participation in decision-making that affects them directly or indirectly. E.g Child custody battle.
Right to Development – Right to education is one of the key points in the right to development. Our government is taking measures to make education accessible to all sections of society but there’s still a lot to be done. Kids, most of all, must know that they have the right to play, learn and develop emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.
Princess Diana, Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, Malala Yousafzai and many others have worked relentlessly over the years for child rights around the world. Their journey has been laden with struggle and staunch determination and has freed and opened learning opportunities for thousands of children. It hence becomes crucial that we make our kids realise their little privileges and gently introduce them to the rampant unfairness around us. Essentially, understanding their legal rights will influence their behaviour and help them respect others’ existence and opinion too. Isn’t that what we need most right now?
This post is part of #CauseAChatter with Blogchatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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This post has enlightened me. I was unaware that the Children of our country have Legal Rights too, and very important ones at that. Glad I read this post.
This was interesting to know. I think it is important to tell children at an early age as well, so this is helpful for parents out there.
Such an informative post. Loved it
I feel every child should be aware about their rights. Even right to information can also come under this. I am going to share this post with my kids.
Very informative post I must say. These basic rights need to know by every parents and other well wishers as we sometimes find the child abuse happen in different places and there are no one knows the policies or how to control that.
Glad that you have mentioned. Off lately we have forgot the rights of children with other legal right of adults. glad to read this
While I was reading, I had only one thought in mind. What about the poor and orphan children on streets, how will these rights reach to them or rather when will these rights reach to them.
This is very informative. Thank you for sharing about this. A lot of people don’t know that children also have basic legal rights. And because of this the children suffer.
It’s strange though but we never think of the legal rights of children. At least in our country. They are often considered the property of their parents or caretakers and no one really thinks that as individuals they too enjoy a certain amount of liberty and rights. Very informative Varsh.
As a mother, the well being of my kids is of prime importance to me… this was very informative in that regard… thank you
I’ll admit that this is not an area that I have a lot of knowledge on, so this post was a good gateway in. And as a beginner, I found this to be very comprehensive and very effectively explained!
A very informative post. I wasn’t aware of quite a few things and I am sure a lot many will agree. Thanks for sharing about this.
Omg…i feel so clueless.I never knew Indian kids had any legal rights. This is a very enlightening post.Thank you for sharing
I am so glad to read this blog. There are very very few people who know about the legal rights of children in our country as it is not discussed too broadly morning it taught as a subject in schools. The more people get to know the more we can save kids who r begging on the streets or go through mental and physical abuse.
I am always in awe of the topics that you choose to discuss. This is quite relevant. How we make our kids feel is very important
Very informative and helpful too.Unaware of so many legal rights. Thanks for sharing it.
It is very important that we not only impart bookish knowledge to kids but also empower them. Of their rights. Thanks for this insightful read
This is a topic we do not even talk about in developing nations. While my stay in Belgium, I have seen how much importance they give to legal rights when it comes to children. I wish, like you more and more people talk about this.
Thanking for posting the rights for children. Many r not even aware of it… You post will enlighten everyone.
Most people have either been unaware or vaguely familiar with childrens’ rights. Thanks for highlighting something this crucial!
It’s really good to know about these legal rights of children in India. Thanks for sharing this detailed post.
This post is full of awareness about children rights.Children are the future building blocks of the country, so they should be treated well and do everything for their good development.
To be frank I didn’t know any of these, one of those unaware citizens who got enlightened by your wonderful post.Thank you so much for the information.
Informative post. Forget children, even many parents do not know of the rights for children or how to seek support.
Indeed these rights build their individuality. Every one should be aware of it
An important subject you have chosen Varsha, especially since it isn’t talked about much!