December 10, 2020: SOS Children’s Villages India observed Human Rights Day with the rest of the world. The celebration took place at the SOSCV Khajuri Kalan. Mothers and co-workers came together to observe this important day. SOS Children’s Villages always believe that one should be treated equally with respect and dignity at work. On this special day, the Village Director shared information about the rights of the individual at the global and country level. Mothers, aunts and co-workers also shared their views and understanding on human rights. All the participants discussed the provision in the Constitution of India on rights for specially-abled children and women. The co-workers took a pledge for upholding child rights and participated in the event with great enthusiasm.
Sumanta Kar, Senior Deputy National Director, SOS Children’s Villages of India has this to say about this day: “Children’s rights are fundamental to human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that childhood is entitled to special care and protection. Child Rights is among the nine core human rights instruments. The unprecedented situation brought about by COVID-19 has adversely impacted our lives and especially of children. School closures and containment measures have meant that they are deprived of quality education as well as face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers and playtime with other children. The lack of social connection at large is hampering their physical and intellectual growth. Their emotional well-being is threatened. Children’s survival, development, protection, and participation rights are at stake. Children without parental care or those at the risk of losing one are among the most vulnerable. All children’s rights must be protected and upheld in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its aftermath. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) mandates that every child has a right to a family and that “children have the best chance of developing their full potential in a family environment. Our Family-Like Care programme provides loving homes to children without parental care and the Family Strengthening Programme intervenes in vulnerable communities for preventing ‘at risk’ children from losing parental care by upholding family income through women empowerment and capacity building. As one of the largest childcare organisation, we stand committed to protecting Child Rights. We must stand together stronger for building back a better future by helping our children recover better.”