India's Commitment to Child Protection Recognized: Removed from UN Report on Impact of Armed Conflict on Children

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has acknowledged India's proactive measures to protect children in conflict-affected areas by removing it from the annual report on the impact of armed conflict on children. This significant development comes after India's consistent engagement with the UN since 2010, aiming to address concerns related to alleged recruitment and detention of children in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government's commitment to child protection has led to this positive outcome.

UN Secretary-General acknowledges India's efforts in protecting children and removes it from annual report on armed conflict impact.(Photo Credit:Twitter)

India's Commitment to Child Protection: 

In the previous year's report, Guterres expressed his appreciation for the Indian government's engagement with his special representative, highlighting the potential for India's removal from the concerning situations list. The recent report emphasizes the measures taken by India to enhance child protection, including a successful technical mission conducted by the UN's special representative in July 2022. Additionally, India actively participated in a workshop on strengthening child protection in Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating its dedication to addressing the issue.

Remaining Measures and Recommendations: 

Despite India's removal from the report, Guterres urges the country to continue implementing the remaining measures identified through consultation with his special representative and the United Nations. These measures encompass essential aspects such as providing child protection training to armed and security forces, prohibiting the use of force, including non-lethal measures like pellet guns, on children, and ensuring that children are detained only as a last resort and for the shortest possible duration. The report also emphasizes the need to prevent any form of ill-treatment and abuse of children in detention. Full implementation of relevant acts, such as the Juvenile Justice Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, is crucial to further strengthen child protection in India.

Collaboration and Progress: 

Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, commended India's close collaboration with the UN over the past two years. India's proactive engagement and commitment to implementing sustainable measures for child protection were recognized. The partnership between India and the UN has led to fruitful results in addressing child protection concerns.

Efforts of the Indian Government: 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development in India stated that the government has consistently worked towards removing India's name from the report. This commitment led to the establishment of a national focal point, inter-ministerial meetings with the UN, and the development of a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation and collaboration on child protection issues under the leadership of Smriti Zubin Irani, the Union Minister of Women and Child Development.

Global Impact on Children: 

Guterres' annual report on children and armed conflict sheds light on the disproportionate impact of armed conflict on children globally. In 2022, the UN verified a staggering 27,180 grave violations affecting 18,890 children across 24 situations and one regional monitoring arrangement. The report highlights various violations, including killings, maimings, recruitment, use, and abductions of children. It emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to safeguard children affected by armed conflict.

India's removal from the UN Secretary-General's annual report on the impact of armed conflict on children recognizes the significant efforts made by the Indian government to enhance child protection. While progress has been made, the report also emphasizes the importance of implementing additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in conflict-affected areas. It is imperative for the global community to continue working together to address grave violations against children and strive for a safer future for all children.