The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is putting together a child rights report for the High Level Political Forum, the global body tasked with reviewing progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report will highlight the risks and challenges to realising children’s rights, as well as solutions and good practices towards securing the rights of children in all countries. Reaching those children who are being left the furthest behind is a prerequisite for achieving the SDGs and it is therefore important that all countries include street children in their efforts.
Street children are among the most marginalised children around the world, experiencing multiple deprivations and violations of their rights, particularly violence and discrimination. In order to ensure that street children and the realisation of their rights are not left behind, we worked with the CSC Network to prepare a submission detailing what must be done for street children around the world. This submission includes the voices of street children themselves to ensure that their voices are heard, and that their experiences are taken into account during global discussions and decision-making. Ensuring that tailored actions specific to children in street situations’ needs are taken is crucial for achieving the 2030 Agenda.
CSC Network member Child In Need Institute (CINI) also prepared a submission, focusing specifically on the challenges and best practices in India. The rapid urbanisation of India has resulted in large numbers of children spending much of their lives on the streets. They are segregated and unable to benefit from social security schemes, and experience multiple deprivations and violations of their rights due to their status and lack of legal identity documents. In order to ensure that India’s street children and the realisation of their rights are not left behind, CINI has submitted this document detailing the current situation and what needs to be done. This submission will ensure that India’s street children are taken into account and that progress towards tailored actions specific to the needs of street children around the world can be made.
You can read CSC’s submission focusing on street children’s rights here.
You can read CINI’s submission focusing specifically on the challenges and best practices in India here.