The United Nations convention on child rights has stated certain rights for the children below the age of 18. According to them, all children have the right to protection, right to survive, right to be safe, right to be heard and right to receive adequate care and be able to grow in a learning environment.
A family has the foremost responsibility of acting as a protective shield for children. Parents or caretakers should build up a loving and nurturing environment at home. School authorities are also obliged to create a safe, child-friendly atmosphere, where a child can learn and develop personal skills for a better future. School teachers are also entitled to ensure that a child is not facing any kind of physical, sexual bullying or abuse.
While most of the children are enjoying a blissful childhood, for some children, the reality is completely different. They have to deal with violence, exploitation, and discrimination every day. Such exploitation's lead to deterioration in their lifestyle and learning process. Some unfortunate children are vulnerable to such violations at any place including their home. The following estimate figures are a certain proof of exploitation of rights of children.
- About 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 experienced forced sexual violence and exploitation during.
- 150 million children aged 5–14 are engaged in child labour.
- Millions of children, mostly girls, work as domestic labourers in private homes.
- Approximately 1.2 million children are trafficked annually.
- Between 22 per cent and 84 per cent of children 2–14 years old experienced physical punishment in the home in 37 countries surveyed between 2005 and 2007.
To stop these unfair practices happening to innocent souls, it is important that government authorities should take up the responsibility to act against people violating laws. Also, it is important to create awareness among children so that they can raise voice for their own protection.
According to United Nations, the rights are classified in the Convention on the Rights of the Child as the "3 Ps": Provision, Protection, and Participation. They are explained as follows:
Provision: Children have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care, education and services, and to play and learn at the same time. They need a loving environment at home and proper access to schooling.
Protection: Children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. This includes safe places for children to learn and enjoy.
Participation: According to this provision, every child has right to participate in community, library, and various youth voice activities programmes which will enhance their decision-making ability.
Provision: Children have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care, education and services, and to play and learn at the same time. They need a loving environment at home and proper access to schooling.
Protection: Children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. This includes safe places for children to learn and enjoy.
Participation: According to this provision, every child has right to participate in community, library, and various youth voice activities programmes which will enhance their decision-making ability.
There are various child rights organisations and NGO’s working in the direction of ensuring the above-mentioned basic rights to every child.