Unfolding children's agency in ensuring child protection

ABSTRACT

Children's right to protection is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children, and it is further reiterated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with time-bound targets and a monitoring framework. It is more than 30 years since the UNCRC was adopted, and there are only nine more years to achieve the SDG targets, but the reality presents a dismal picture with increasing incidents of violence and abuse against children. COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation with a reversal trend in the protection of children and bringing to the fore the deep inequalities that exist in the society. This chapter seeks to highlight the importance of child participation and child-centric approach in the recovery strategy to protect children during this pandemic and prevent a 'generational catastrophe'. Right to participation envisages enhancing the capacity of children, creating space for children to voice their opinion and views on issues concerning them, adults capacitated to listen to the voice of children, respect and recognise their views and opinion and take them into consideration in formulating policies and schemes. Participation of children in COVID-19 recovery is elucidated from the experience of Arunodhaya, an organisation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The chapter concludes with recommendations for protection of children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)