Don Bosco Child Labour Mission, Davangere, has been involved in promoting children’s right to participation which includes the right to express their views and be heard, the right to freedom of expression and freedom of thought (UNCRC Articles-12-13-14). DBCLM believes that children can be empowered through this process of participation.
To promote children’s right to participation DBCLM organized Children’s Parliament in 6 Taluks of Davangere District. Five selected representatives from different schools of each taluk gathered at one central place to discuss about their problems in various environments like the school, the family and the society at large. The selection was done after seeing children’s level of participation at the Taluk level discussion. Inaugurating the District level Children’s Parliament at DBCLM Mr.B.H.Narayanappa (Commissioner of Davangere Corporation) said that though there are children’s rights they have to fight nowadays to ensure their rights.
The following were some of the issues raised by children at the District Level Children’s Parliament. Miss Spoorthi, Vice-President of Karnataka Child Rights Federation, questioned the action taken by the Government to protect children and also to call to book teachers who abuse children. Another asked whether it was justifiable that teachers themselves force children to buy guttka for them while at school. Another child raised the issue of toilets being kept locked always. Yet another child opined that parents have to be conscientized to stop child marriages.
Two selected representatives from every district will meet the Chief Minister and other ministers and concerned authorities at Vidhanasouda on 16 November and raise their problems which need immediate attention from the Government.
Mr. Narayanappa (Commissioner of Davangere City Corporation), Mr. Shivakumar K.N. (District Child Protection Officer), Mr. Basavarajappa (Chairperson, District Child Welfare Committee), Mr. Gowranga Borrow (Inspector of Railway Protection Force, Davangere), Mr Virupakshappa (Gram Panchayath President, Thyavanagi), Fr. Kuriakose (Director, DBCLM) and Mr. C.H. Arunkumar (President, Davangere District Human Rights Forum) were present for the function.
