[EXCLUSIVE] SC to Host 2-Day National Consultation on Protecting Rights of Children with Disabilities

The Supreme Court of India, in partnership with UNICEF India, is set to host the 9th National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on September 28th and 29th, 2024. This two-day event will focus on the theme ‘Protecting the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities,’ with particular emphasis on Children in Conflict with the Law (CiCL) and Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP). It will delve into the intersectionality of disabilities. The National Consultation marks the conclusion of a series of State-level Consultations conducted across the country over the past year.

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, in collaboration with UNICEF India, is set to organize the 9th National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on 28th and 29th September 2024. This two-day event, focusing on the theme of ‘Protecting the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities’—specifically Children in Conflict with the Law (CiCL) and Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP)—will explore the intersectionality of disabilities. The National Consultation is the culmination of a series of State-level Consultations held across the country over the past year.

This initiative is part of the Supreme Court’s ongoing dedication to advancing the rights of children, ensuring that every child in India is protected and included. The National Stakeholder Consultations, organized annually, convene key experts, policymakers, and child welfare advocates to discuss priority areas and accelerate actions aimed at creating a more inclusive society for children with disabilities.

Focus of the National Consultation

The primary goal of this year’s consultation is to deepen understanding and accelerate efforts towards building a society that is more inclusive of children with disabilities, particularly those in need of special care and protection or those involved in legal conflicts. The two-day discussions will address key areas such as:

• Early identification of disabilities
• Healthcare and education services
• Family-based care and protection systems
• Safety measures and legal services for children with disabilities

These deliberations will strive to enhance linkages between essential services to create a more inclusive environment. Special emphasis will be placed on developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting children with disabilities effectively.

Key Participants

The inaugural address will be delivered by Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. Also speaking at the event are:

• Smt. Annpurna Devi, Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development
• Hon’ble Mrs. Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee and Judge of the Supreme Court of India
• Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative

As part of the event, the Chief Justice of India will release a Handbook on Persons with Disabilities, designed to sensitize the legal community and the wider public to the need for inclusive language and terminology when discussing disabilities. The handbook will also be made available in Braille and Audiobook formats to ensure accessibility.

Sessions Overview

The National Consultation will consist of four key sessions over the two days:

1. Global Instruments and National Legislations: A review of central and state schemes and services related to disabilities.
2. Family-Based Alternative Care and Social Support: A session dedicated to providing support to children with disabilities through family-based care systems.
3. Mental and Physical Health & Education: A focus on ensuring effective convergence and implementation of services in the areas of health and education for children with disabilities.
4. Legislative Convergence: Exploring how different laws can converge to ensure comprehensive protection for children with disabilities.

Closing Reflections

The event will conclude on Sunday, 29th September 2024, with closing remarks by the Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, along with representatives from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Government of India, and UNICEF.

Attendees

The Consultation will witness the participation of several notable figures and organizations, including:

• Chairpersons and members of the Juvenile Justice Committees and POCSO Committees from various High Courts
• Representatives from the Ministries of Women & Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment from all states and union territories
• State Disability Commissioners
• Member Secretaries from the State Legal Services Authorities
• Senior officials such as ADGP officers responsible for handling crimes related to women and children.

This gathering of diverse stakeholders underlines the Supreme Court’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of all children, especially those living with disabilities.

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Rights of Children

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