7. Rights of Children

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child is an international convention drafted and adopted by the General Assembly on November \(20\), \(1989\).

 

 

The convention calls anyone under the age of \(18\) as a child, and they will be protected under this convention. The UNCRC is signed by \(196\) countries.

The UNCRC has listed \(40\) such rights entitled to the children under the convention. Some of the most important rights are discussed below.

 

The Indian Constitution had adopted certain provisions that guarantee Children's rights. Provisions that enable child rights are given below.

Article \(24\): Prohibits employment of children under the age of \(14\) in hazardous working conditions.

Article \(39 (f)\): The Children are given facilities and opportunities to develop healthy lifestyle..

Article \(45\): The State shall provide early childhood care and basic education for up to \(6\) years.

 

In the year \(1979\): The United Nations Organisation had declared \(1979\) as the International year of the Children.

 

 

 

The Constitution of India guarantees the education of a child under “Article \(21 A\)” of the Fundamental Rights. The provision provides “Free and compulsory education” to a child between \(6\)-\(14\) years.

The “Right to Education Act of \(2009\) (RTE)”, provides free and compulsory education for a child with full-time Elementary education in a formal school with satisfying quality.

 

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act) – \(1986\):

 

This legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament states that the “Employment of Children under the  \(15\) age in the certain establishment is prohibited”. This legislation was enacted to eradicate the social issue of Child Labour.

 

 

This legislation was enacted to reform and befriend the Children who conflict with the law. Also, children who are deprived of proper care, protection are looked after by adopting a child-friendly approach.

 

 

The “POCSO Act (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act)” which was enacted in the year \(2012\) is a gender-neutral act that gives protection to both male and female children from crimes like sexual exploitation.