Orissa High Court Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh Stresses On Inclusion & Rights Of Divyang Children In Juvenile Justice System

The Juvenile Justice Committee (JJC) of the Orissa High Court organized a State Level Consultation on Effective Implementation of Juvenile Justice Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). The flagship annual event of the JJC this year specifically focussed on the rights of children with disabilities.

The event, which was organized in collaboration with the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF, saw Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh as the Chief Guest.

The Chief Justice stressed on greater inclusion of disabled children in juvenile justice system. He urged all the stakeholders to ensure inclusion of under-privileged children in the juvenile justice system. He also underlined the unique requirements and challenged faced by such children.

“We have to recognize that Divyang children face certain special problems and vulnerabilities that require special attention and care. A comprehensive approach needs to be taken care of for effective implementation of the provisions of the relevant laws keeping in mind the specific needs of Dibyang children." He further said, "as we work towards a just and equitable society, let us be committed to uphold the rights of all children, especially children with disabilities.”

Justice Debabrata Dash, Chairman of the JJC flagged the lack of opportunities provided to the Divyang children and absence of equal treatment and facilities. Participating in the program, Justice Savitri Ratho and Justice Aditya Kumar Mahapatra, members of the JJC asked all the stakeholders to get united to make a comprehensive and combined effort to solve the problems of the disabled children.

On the occasion, the participants highlighted the steps taken by the state government to protect children in need of care and protection (CNCP) under the Juvenile Justice Act and other categories of disabled children in conflict with law.

A study conducted by UNICEF on August 2022 on children with disabilities revealed that one out of every three children in institutions is disabled. In addition, the number of disabled children in childcare institutions is disproportionate with some statistics suggesting that 25 percent of all children in such institutions face intellectual or mental health disabilities. It was informed that the death rate of children with disabilities in institutional care is 100 times higher than that of other children.

William Hanlon Junior, UNICEF Chief of field office of Odisha said that excluding disabled children means undermining global commitment to leave no one behind. Thus, he stressed on creating an enabling environment for inclusive, safe and empowered children with disabilities.

The Judges of the High Court, senior government officials, legal doyens, members of the civil society organizations and disability rights activists participated in the consultation to discuss methodologies for protection of children with disabilities.

Justice Murahari Sri Raman, the Member of the Juvenile Justice Committee proposing vote of thanks highlighted that the essence of the conference will be fruitful if the stakeholders will translate the suggestions of the conference into practice while dealing with the difficulties of the disabled children.