- Play is universal, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries.
- According to UNICEF, play is vital for children to build social connections, develop physical and mental health, and enhance creativity.
- Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says, the right to play underscores its significance for a child’s well-being and development.
- Recognizing its importance, the United Nations declared June 11, 2024, as the International Day of Play.
- The ‘Value of Play’ report by The Real Play Coalition reveals that globally, one in five children lacks time to play, and one in ten gets no outdoor play.
- UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) 2021 ranks India 26th out of 163 countries for children most at climate risk.
| Rights of the Child under the Indian Constitution • Article 21A: Right to Free and Compulsory Education: Ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. • Article 24: Right to Protection from Hazardous Employment: Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, and hazardous occupations. • Article 39(e): Right to Protection from Abuse: Directs the state to protect children from abuse and exploitation. • Article 39(f): Right to Development and Protection: Ensures opportunities for healthy development and protection against exploitation and moral and material abandonment. • Article 45: Right to Early Childhood Care and Education: Directs the state to provide early childhood care and education until age six. |
Dig Deeper: Read about International Labour Organisation’s conventions related to child rights like 138, 182 etc.
