Child Rights Convention Campaign in Chhattisgarh was formally launched by DS Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Finance, Government of Chhattisgarh here on the occasion of Children’s Day and the completion of 25 years of Child Rights Convention.
Misra called for a unified action of the civil society, media, community, Government and UNICEF in building an enabling environment for children in the State.
The 15-day campaign will raise awareness on Children’s Rights especially on the importance of birth registration and routine immunisation in the State.
Inaugurating the campaign, Misra said that this campaign is an opportunity to renew commitment to child rights in the State and the Chhattisgarh Government’s efforts in addressing the issues concerning children like malnutrition, education and birth registration have been fruitful.
He said that some of the indicators are of a concern but assured that the State Government is committed and taken necessary steps and making progress.
He also shared the highlights of the efforts of the Government like Phuwari, Nawa Jatan, SABlA etc.
Carrie Auer, Chief of Field Offices, UNICEF India, gave a brief overview of the Child Rights Convention.
Speaking on the occasion Auer said that CRC is a promise and it is the responsibility of each individual, community, civil society and the Government to fulfil, by building protective and enabling environment for children.
Dr. Shanta Sinha, former Chairperson of NCPCR said that every child counts and the responsibility lies with the civil society and the Government to ensure that every child is counted and their rights are realised.
Razia Ismail, a noted child rights activist reminded that a stringent action and preventive steps should be taken to put end to missing children in the State.
As part of the 15-day campaign UNICEF is facilitating theatre and Comic Strip Workshops for children and other child participation platforms to highlight and raise awareness on child rights.
A signature campaign along with mass awareness on the importance of birth registration and routine immunization was also flag off by children present on the occasion.