The Supreme Court of India, through its juvenile justice committee, is set to hold a two-day national consultation aimed at bolstering the rights of differently-abled children. Scheduled for September 28 and 29, this initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity and support for vulnerable child populations.
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, is slated to inaugurate the event with a keynote address. This ninth annual national stakeholders consultation, titled ‘Protecting the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities and Intersectionality of Disabilities,’ is organized in partnership with UNICEF India. The event seeks to intensify efforts towards an inclusive society that fully accommodates the needs of children with disabilities, including those requiring care and protection as well as those in conflict with the law.
The consultation will explore improvements in early identification, healthcare, education, family-based care, and legal services for differently-abled children. “Our objective is to create a cohesive framework that links various services and enhances the support system for these children, fostering a skilled workforce that can effectively meet their needs,” stated the press release from the apex court.
Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, Supreme Court Justice and chairperson of the juvenile justice committee, B.V. Nagarathna, and UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey will also contribute their insights during the opening session.
A significant highlight of the consultation will be the release of a new handbook by Chief Justice Chandrachud. This handbook aims to sensitize the legal community and the public about inclusive terminology concerning disabilities. “The handbook, which will also be available in Braille and as an audiobook, represents a critical step towards fostering greater understanding and acceptance,” the release noted.
