You might wonder that we just celebrated our children’s day on 14th November. Then what is this again? 20th November is UNICEF’s global day of action.
It is a day for children, by children.
As Lady Bird Johnson said, ”Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” The future of a nation entirely depends on the children. However, we need to nurture them properly and let them participate in different initiatives.
Children are becoming more aware of things like climate change, plastic usage and recycling, than a normal adult. They have a curious and creative mind that comes up with new ideas. We all keep telling people about how to avoid single-use plastic bottles. But still, sometimes we end up having them at our house. On one such occasion, I was about to throw a plastic bottle in the dustbin, when my 5-year old son came up to me and said, “Mamma, can’t we use it as a planter instead of throwing it”. I was surprised and happy.
I have also seen several times, that a child will search for a dustbin on road, while adults will throw the garbage anywhere. Incidents like these, give us hope, that we will be leaving this damaged earth in the hands of responsible humans.
But, to make them responsible and sensible, we need to understand that they do not need to be micro-managed all the time. We need to give them space and teach them to ask questions. We need to teach them to analyse things rationally before accepting it as it is.
Child Rights are necessary
So, if we need to empower them, then we need to show them our full support as adults. Further, we need to make them aware of their rights. It is not only the responsibility of parents to create a protected environment for children. The state should also consider children while making their policies. Thus, in 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted. Every state must ensure the basic right of children, which includes, the right to life, survival and development; and the right to participate in decisions that affect them.
The theme of this year’s World Children’s Day is to – End Violence Against Children. Closer to home, the Bihar Youth For Child Rights group has started an initiative to #TurnPatnaBlue to make them aware of Child Rights.
Irfy’s turned blue #TurnPatnaBlue
We, at Patna Diaries, are in full support of these enthusiastic children. Please join them and spread the word. Are you aware of child rights? Do let us know in the comment section below.
