NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the plight of homeless children in
the National Capital; Issues notice to the Chief Secretary, Delhi
New Delhi, December 24th, 2010
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that there are no dedicated night shelters for street children in Delhi. It has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi to submit a report in the matter within two weeks on the points raised on the issue in the media report.
The media report carried on the 22nd December, 2010, alleged that as per the survey conducted by an NGO, 'Childhood Enhanced through Training and Action' (Chetna) more than 10,000 children in Delhi are living on the streets of the city alone. Most of these homeless children live outside railway stations and bus stands where they find odd jobs easily. Out of 76 temporary shelters in Delhi, not one is dedicated for them. It is alleged that the children are not allowed to enter the night shelters meant for adults and families. It seems that the Delhi Government has forgotten the homeless children.
The Commission observed on the 23rd December, 2010 that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the homeless children in Delhi.
In addition to seeking response of the Chief Secretary on the points raised in the media report, the Commission in particular has asked him to provide information in his report on the following points:-
i) Whether the Government of NCT of Delhi has framed any guidelines for care and protection of homeless children in Delhi, particularly for winter;
ii) Whether there are any periodic surveys conducted to assess the number of such homeless children living on roads, outside railway stations or bus stands etc.;
iii) Whether the Government has any scheme for providing separate shelter homes to the homeless children - boys and girls; and
iv) How many children - boys and girls are staying in the shelter homes meant for adults in Delhi.
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The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that there are no dedicated night shelters for street children in Delhi. It has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi to submit a report in the matter within two weeks on the points raised on the issue in the media report.
The media report carried on the 22nd December, 2010, alleged that as per the survey conducted by an NGO, 'Childhood Enhanced through Training and Action' (Chetna) more than 10,000 children in Delhi are living on the streets of the city alone. Most of these homeless children live outside railway stations and bus stands where they find odd jobs easily. Out of 76 temporary shelters in Delhi, not one is dedicated for them. It is alleged that the children are not allowed to enter the night shelters meant for adults and families. It seems that the Delhi Government has forgotten the homeless children.
The Commission observed on the 23rd December, 2010 that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the homeless children in Delhi.
In addition to seeking response of the Chief Secretary on the points raised in the media report, the Commission in particular has asked him to provide information in his report on the following points:-
i) Whether the Government of NCT of Delhi has framed any guidelines for care and protection of homeless children in Delhi, particularly for winter;
ii) Whether there are any periodic surveys conducted to assess the number of such homeless children living on roads, outside railway stations or bus stands etc.;
iii) Whether the Government has any scheme for providing separate shelter homes to the homeless children - boys and girls; and
iv) How many children - boys and girls are staying in the shelter homes meant for adults in Delhi.
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