Child Rights and You (CRY) unveiled the Child Rights Manifesto that calls for all political parties to give top priority to children’s issues and commit to changing the situation of children in our country.
Speaking about the campaign, Atindranath Das, Regional Director CRY (East) said, “Vote for Child Rights campaign is our way of ensuring that there is political will behind our justified demand to protect Child Rights. It is imperative that the best interest of the child be put at the centre of all policies, legislations and practices, and the Vote for Child Rights campaign focuses on that solely”.
Announcing the launch of the campaign Programme Head, Development Support, CRY (East) Mohua Chatterjee, said, “This is our attempt to remind politicians and governments in power that it is their obligation to undertake all measures in protecting and promoting child rights.”
The Child Right Manifesto centers around 10 commitment suggestions as outlined by CRY, some of which include harmonizing the age definition for all child-related legislations, ensuring the implementation and expanding the scope of right to education, strengthening the implementation of ICDS, reducing child mortality, declaring access to quality primary healthcare as a fundamental right, and many others. CRY has already approached and is in the process of approaching key politicians of all major political parties in Jharkhand with an appeal to give priority to children’s issues in their respective party manifestos.
The Vote for Child Rights campaign kick starts across the nation with a series of both State and national-level events to advocate the cause of ensuring Child Rights. It becomes an intrinsic aspect of manifestos of all political parties in India. The events will range from signing pledges from the general public to getting prominent personalities from across India to support the campaign, to holding of city-centric events to showcase the current state of Child Rights in India.
Sushanto Chakrabortry, CRY operation in-charge in Jharkhand said, “The campaign firmly believes that India’s children who account for one third of the population deserve the collective demonstration of our commitment towards child rights. It also calls for action to express zero tolerance towards violation of child rights so that every child can be assured of a happy, healthy and creative childhood. That can happen only if children are recognized as rights holders and people in power remain committed towards providing care, protection, essential services and opportunities to each and every child.”