INTERPRETING CHILD RIGHTS: RIGHTS OF THE CHILD IN THE CONTEXT OF CHILD ABUSE IN INDIAN REGION

Abstract

The research paper follows the issues related to child abuse, which are increasing every day. Child rights are the most debated issue among the intellectuals of the society. The research paper has made an attempt to provide an insight on several major issues, which comprises of history of child rights, the literature related to it and similar topics concerning to child rights. Emphasis has been laid on the abuses suffered by the child such as sexual abuses, child labour, trafficking of children, internet related crimes against child, child marriage etc.

In this research paper, the author has made a critical analysis on the abuse of the child and the failure of society as a whole because it is also responsible for the abuse to the same degree as the perpetrators itself. The Convention on Rights of the Child, 1989, defines child and addressed various issues relating to the child rights. But, the implementation of convention into different states, cultures, and societies is an arduous task. It is the society which becomes the breeding ground for the perpetrators or pedophiles, due to their mental or emotional condition and the lack of sensitization of the people on child rights and child abuses. Different studies have been shown to highlight child abuses round the world. Recent incidents of banning of female genital mutilation in Sudan and the incident of ‘bois locker room’ in India have been discussed in the context of child abuses. The role of judiciary in protecting child rights through landmark judgements have been discussed in reference of child abuse. Issues such as juvenile delinquency and the emphasis on lack of adequate legislation addressing the need for protection of the child are raised. Suggestions related toward increasing parental control and systemic approach towards protection of child rights have been made. In the age of sharp decline in the morality among human beings, protection of children and their rights are of crucial importance.