National Inclusive Children’s Parliament Appeals to Chief Justice on School Closures

New Delhi, December 8, 2024: The National Inclusive Children’s Parliament (NICP), representing children from vulnerable communities, has written to Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, to highlight the detrimental impact of school closures caused by pollution and climate emergencies. In their petition, the children underscored how such closures disrupt their constitutional and UNCRC-guaranteed rights to education, nutrition, and safety. Many children rely on mid-day meals provided at schools as their primary source of daily nourishment. The closures have left them hungry and at risk of malnutrition, further jeopardizing their growth and well-being. Without intervention, these children face the danger of falling into cycles of poverty, exploitation, and neglect.

The petition, submitted through PRATYeK on behalf of the NICP, detailed the children’s struggles and provided actionable recommendations. The children urged that mid-day meals or dry rations be made available even during school closures to ensure uninterrupted nutrition. They also suggested implementing hybrid learning modes to maintain access to education while prioritizing safety during emergencies. Additionally, they proposed transforming schools into day-boarding facilities and activity hubs during holidays, offering consistent access to food, protection, and opportunities for holistic development.

The letter highlighted the broader implications of school closures, noting that children were deprived of not only education but also essential resources like safe environments, opportunities for socialization, and protection from exploitation. Drawing on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the children emphasized how closures violated their rights to education, play, health, and protection. They pointed out that many of their peers were left unsupervised, vulnerable to child labor, and unable to access digital education due to a lack of resources.

In their appeal, the children expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s proactive efforts in addressing air quality emergencies but stressed the need for more comprehensive, child-centered solutions. “Schools are not just classrooms—they are spaces where we grow, thrive, and feel safe,” said Nikky, President of the NICP. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that no child is left behind, even during times of crisis.

The petition concluded with a call for systemic reforms to protect children’s rights during emergencies. By amplifying their voices, the NICP hopes to encourage judicial and policy-level accountability to secure a future where every child in India has uninterrupted access to education, nutrition, and safety, even in the face of challenges posed by climate and pollution crises.

By Catholic Connect Reporter