Child journalists from Villages of Uttrakhand represent India in UNCRC Meet in Geneva
Online, October 15, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Press Release
Child journalists from Villages of Uttrakhand represent India in UNCRC Meet in Geneva
- Renu Saklani and Anjana Juyal highlighted the challenges of Indian children on Right to "Dignity, Development & Dialogue"
New Delhi, October 13, 2009: On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the convention on the rights of the child, two young girls from Uttrakhand were invited by United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to participate in the celebrations and share their view points on the three main challenges of the convention. The children participated in the discussion to find out solutions to ensure dignity of the child, to provide children full possibilities for development and facilitate the dialogue between adults and children in accordance with the participatory approach of the Convention.
Along with 24 other children from 15 countries , Anjana and Renu were among the three representing South Asia and they participated by sharing and capturing the views from the representatives of other countries' state parties, UN bodies, Intergovernmental organisation, National Human rights institutions and national non governmental organisations on the "Dignity, Development & Dialogue" for the children. They interviewed Ms. Navi Pillai, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, Ms. Yanghee Lee, Chairperson of Committee for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the famous Swiss rapper Osir who supported Plan campaign "Because I am a Girl Child" and dedicated few of his songs for the cause.
The children will now prepare a short documentary based on the inputs given by various duty bearers and will present it before the Indian government to make their views and opinions, heard and implemented. Renu and Anjana are associated with the child Media network of Plan & SBMA programme called "UMANG" in Uttrakhand. UMANG (Unique Media Approach of New Generation) came into existence four years back when children groups realized the need to raise their voice for their rights and realized the critical role of media in supporting their cause.
UMANG is a state-wide network of child journalists in Uttarakhand that are engaged in Child Right sensitization and advocacy at various levels. This network represents children from all 13 districts of the state and more than 2000 children are associated with the network as child journalists. Children use news, story writing, comics, radio programmes, photography, video & animation film making and usage of the Internet.
The objective of these initiatives is that children can express their views & opinion and have a platform for their voices to be heard. These children were also part of the preparation of the "Alternate Report" that UNCRC accepts from civil society and children's groups.
The first Alternate report submitted to UNCRC covered the issues of Primary education, Universal Birth registration and Discrimination. The second report that was submitted to UNCRC in December 2008 gives the real picture surrounding Article 19 of the UNCRC which states that children should not be subject to any sort of physical abuse at home or in schools. Article 28(2) of the UNCRC further states the education should be such that it maintains the dignity of the child.
The children expressed their opinion on their visit "we were very happy because even though we all were from different countries and spoke different languages we used different method such as theatre and sign language to understand each other. They also added that each one in the conference was given equal platform to express their opinion and participate.
Renu and Anjana are members of Umang, supported by Plan India and Shri Bhuvneshwari Mahila Ashram (SBMA) in improving the lives of the children in Uttarakhand and making the endeavour of child media action a reality. Plan, as a part of the work in communities and also with children in especially difficult circumstances, emphasizes on facilitating platforms where children understand and discuss their rights and issues. Ms Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director, said, "Plan India truly believes in promoting participation of children at all levels and that voices of children have a rightful place and immense potential to be a part of every action concerning society."
About Plan
Plan India is a child-centered development organization that aims to promote Child Rights and improve the quality of life of vulnerable children. Plan India is a part of Plan International and currently works in 66 countries. In India, Plan works in 11 states and has directly impacted lives of over a million children and their families since 1979 and empowered them to realize their potential.
For more information contact: Gina Sharma/ Vikas Kumar
9811887088/ 9811054648