The Parliamentarians’ Group for Children (PGC) has hosted an interactive session of children with parliamentarians representing different political parties as part of the World Children’s Day 2022 being celebrated by UNICEF.
“In marking the Child Rights Week, thirty-five Members of Parliament listened to children sharing their experiences in countering discrimination through sports – calling for inclusion and equality for all children,” the UNICEF said in a statement. The focus of World Children’s Day this year is on sports as a powerful means to promote inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. Opening the session, MP and Chair of PGC, Gaurav Gogoi reiterated the commitment and said, “Our country is only stronger when every child gets the life that they deserve. Race, caste, religion, sexual orientation, and income level do not impact their hopes and all dreams of children are realized.”
The UN Resident Coordinator for India, Shombi Sharp thanked the MPs for championing child rights both inside and outside the Parliament.
Five children from different states shared compelling stories of determination, hope and resilience. Seventeen-year-old Jolina Marak from Meghalaya, Gold medalist in Deaflympics 15-year-old Guranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh, 15-year-old footballer Nisha from Rajasthan, 16-year-old Maksud from Mumbai and 14-year-old athlete Balvinder Sing from Telangana appealed to the MPs for better sports infrastructure and opportunities to participate in competitive sports.
Responding to demands from the children, the MPs spoke about their commitment toward facilitating greater access to sports at the panchayat, state, and national levels.