Upholding the Foundation of Child Rights
Children are the most valuable members of any society, and their rights & well-being must be protected at all costs. When children are provided with the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, they grow up to become future leaders & providers. These children then move on to better spheres of life and enable a better life for themselves & their entire communities.
This is why the Government of India and NGOs work to ensure the fundamental rights for children are protected & upheld in every corner of the nation. They work to protect the fundamental rights of child in India enshrined in the constitution and ensure these rights reach those from marginalised communities. In this article, we will cover the five primary fundamental rights of child in India and the work being done by NGOs such as Bal Rakha Bharat (also known as Save the Children) to protect these rights.
The Five Fundamental Rights for Children in India
The Constitution of India covers fundamental rights for children that must be protected and upheld for all citizens. However, the responsibility of ensuring these rights reach the farthest corners of the nation and help children belonging to less privileged communities must be shared by everyone and not just the government. This is why NGOs such as Bal Raksha Bharat work year-round to protect children’s rights to education, nutrition, healthcare, protection, inclusion, resilience, and more.
Here, let us shed light on the five major children’s fundamental rights and what Save the Children India is doing to protect them:
Right to Education
Every child deserves equal access to education in a nation where knowledge is revered as the ultimate treasure. Bal Raksha Bharat recognises this fundamental truth and works to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, can exercise their right to education. Bal Raksha Bharat bridges the gap between aspiration and opportunity through innovative initiatives and programmes, empowering children to unlock their full potential and shape their destinies.
Right to Health and Nutrition
Health is wealth, and every child should have access to a healthy and nourished life. Bal Raksha Bharat works to transform this belief into reality by advocating for robust healthcare infrastructure and services tailored to the unique needs of children. From immunization drives to nutritional interventions, the organisation leaves no stone unturned in its mission to improve child health outcomes. Bal Raksha Bharat strives to create a future where every child can grow and thrive in good health by collaborating with healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Right to Protection
Bal Raksha Bharat stands as a staunch defender of children’s rights, working to provide them with a safe environment in which to grow. By leveraging its network of volunteers, counsellors, and legal experts, Bal Raksha Bharat empowers communities to create a safer living environment for children at home, schools, and communities.
Right to Development and Participation
Every child is born with boundless potential, waiting to be explored and encouraged. Bal Raksha Bharat recognises this initial spark and nurtures it through opportunities for holistic development. Through diverse initiatives, ranging from sports and cultural activities to vocational training and leadership programs, Bal Raksha Bharat empowers children to explore their interests, hone their talents, and become active participants in shaping their communities and society.
Right to Identity and Citizenship
Identity is the foundation of individuality, and every child deserves the right to be recognised and acknowledged as a valued member of society. Bal Raksha Bharat acknowledges the challenges related to birth registration and citizenship and works diligently to address them. Through advocacy campaigns and community outreach programmes, the organisation raises awareness about the importance of birth registration and citizenship rights.
Bal Raksha Bharat’s efforts to protect and uphold the rights of children in India have impacted the lives of more than 10 million children. Individuals looking to support the work of Save the Children India can head to their website and make a contribution.
The Way Forward
Realising fundamental rights for children is more than just a legal obligation; It is a moral imperative for every citizen to protect and support the most valuable members of society. It requires the collective efforts of policymakers, communities, and individuals alike. By prioritising children’s rights, we invest in a future where every child in India has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to a brighter, more prosperous nation.
Together, let us champion the cause of India’s children, empowering them to dream, aspire, and achieve beyond measure. For in their hands lies the promise of a better tomorrow.
