Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

27th Session of the Human Rights Council

(8-26 September 2014)

Panel Discussion: Ending violence against children - a global call to make the invisible visible

(23 September 2014)

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. We welcome the convening of this panel discussion on a very important subject that we all need to reflect on as we mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Violence against children continues to be a cross cutting concern manifesting in various forms and occurring in different settings including in new areas like the cyberspace.

2. As the latest Global Survey points out, in spite of the progress achieved, the magnitude of this phenomenon remains unacceptably high. Its detrimental effects on child’s physical and mental health, on social well-being and on national economies are too well known. What is needed is concerted action at all levels with the full involvement and collaboration among different actors, coordinated policy interventions and emphasis on awareness and advocacy to eliminate social attitudes that condone violence against children.

3. Ending violence against children remains a high priority for the Government of India. A number of legislative and administrative measures have been launched to comprehensively address violence against children in various settings. These include the newly enacted Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act 2012 to deal with sexual offences against children including use of children for pornography; the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013 that addresses all forms of trafficking; Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act 2003 that prohibits sex selection; the Prevention of Child Marriage Act 2006; the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 and the ‘Integrated Child Protection Scheme’ that provides for dedicated delivery structures at national, state and district level for ensuring child safety; and the Right to Education Act 2009 which apart from guaranteeing the child’s right to education, categorically bans corporal punishment in schools. The new National Policy for Children 2013 marks a paradigm shift from a ‘welfare oriented’ to a ‘rights-based’ approach for promotion of child rights in India and provides a holistic approach for child protection.

4. As highlighted in the SRSG report shortage of reliable data remains a major obstacle in comprehending the full dimensions of child protection. Innovative approaches and collaborative partnerships are needed to bridge this gap and ensure effective implementation of policies. The TrackChild web-enabled information system is one such initiative launched in India that that not only tracks missing children but also maps all services available to children in difficult circumstances and their families. Childline is a unique public-private partnership initiative that provides for 24X7, free, emergency phone outreach service for children in need of care & protection in India.

Mr. President,

5. While specific measures are required to safeguard children protection net, it is important to realize that poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, illiteracy remain the root causes that increase the vulnerabilities of families especially children to turn victims of various forms of violence. The primary role of the family in the upbringing and development of the child, and the obligation of the State to support parents and caregivers in this role needs to be acknowledged. There in lies the importance of strengthening social protection measures, providing employment opportunities, addressing widespread poverty and underdevelopment. We look forward to hear from the panellists on best practices to address the multifaceted dimensions of child protection.

Thank you Mr President.