Discourse and critical thinking are essential tools when it comes to securing peoples’ progress in a democratic society. Eventually, it is unity and engaged participation which makes it happen. Decision making is one of the most important skills children should develop to grow as healthy and mature adults. The decisions our children make will dictate the path their lives take. Teaching and enabling children to make decisions has several benefits. ‘Best practices’ are the hallmark of a place/institution where children are involved in decision making. Every child has the moral responsibility to be an engaged citizen, express their views on social issues, and work towards the betterment of society. In recent times thousands of children/students have taken to the streets, protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). While many a citizen is unnerved with this sudden surge in protests by children and students, it is necessary that the entire society ponders on the questions raised by them. The UN and world bodies have time and again acknowledged that we adults have failed our children miserably. Let’s not repeat these mistakes. Notwithstanding the fact that some well-meaning souls question the raison d’etre of their presence in public forums.
Child participation is one of the core principles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which asserts that children and young people have the right to freely express their views, and that there is an obligation on adults to listen to children’s views and to facilitate their participation in all matters affecting them within their families, schools, local communities, public services, institutions, government policies and judicial procedures. The UN General Assembly adopted this CRC convention over three decades ago of which India is a signatory – declaring that children’s rights are human rights, and that their rights need to be respected. That children have the right to be seen and heard is one of the most revolutionary rights laid out in the Convention.
Children have the right to give their views and opinions about those decisions that affect them. Their participation entails more than just asking them for their ideas and views. It’s about listening to them, and turning their ideas and suggestions into reality with a serious intent. This also mandates that the society must provide them with the ability to influence some of the things that affect them and at the same time help adults understand children’s issues through the lens of a child.
The ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ (CRC) has been a milestone in the international human rights legislation; encompassing all issues of children on the global and national agenda. Furthermore, CRC provided the impetus world-wide to recognise and mobilise actions for the realisation of the rights and development of children. The CRC, an international codicil was not adopted as a convention by many countries initially. It took several years of people’s movements to bring about a positive attitude toward children and take affirmative actions to improve their well-being. Child Rights are fundamental freedoms and the rights of persons below the age of 18. Rights apply to every child, irrespective of the child’s parent’s race, colour, sex, creed or other economic or social status. The essential message is equality of opportunity. The right to be heard and to participate is guaranteed in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the rights of the Child (CRC). This clearly conveys a reaffirmed understanding of children as active members of society.
Article 12 states that every child has the right to freely express his/her views in all matters affecting him/her. The child’s views must be considered in a way appropriate to his or her age and maturity. It is an undeniable fact that giving children choices helps them feel like they have the power and control over what they do, which helps their growth.
‘Participation’ includes different kinds of involvement, contribution and assistance by children. Children are considered to be experts of their everyday living environment and are indispensable in analysing and finding solutions for the problems that they face. Children of all ages have come out openly on streets protesting against drug barons and easy availability of drugs and tobacco. A few months ago, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish student activist, Greta Thunberg, young students in several countries boycotted their classes and took part in a Global Climate Strike. They expressed their protest against government’s callous attitude and inaction against climate change. As a young girl, Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. She was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012 but survived. In 2014, she became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Today she is an iconic person! Undoubtedly, ‘Peaceful Protests’ and non-violent campaigns are an effective way to achieve social change. Should we, as parents and guardians be obstacles to their affirmative actions? Use of children in warfare is certainly wrong. However, children have rightfully protested against the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, degradation of environment, weapons of mass destruction, war, religious discrimination, apartheid and so many issues.
Today’s children are growing in a world which has embraced technology. Technology has enabled young people to absorb information which is available at the click of a button and firm-up their opinions independently on their own and/or through their peer groups.
The emerging consciousness among the students and children in our society will not only be our armour but also a shield to protect our future.
(The writer is a social scientist and member of the Juvenile Justice Board).