All children deserve a happy childhood and the opportunity to lead a dignified life safe from violence, exploitation, neglect, deprivation, and discrimination. India is a young nation, with a child population of more than 472 million [1]. Protection of this 40% of the young population is not only a matter of their human rights but also an investment towards building a robust nation. The Constitution of India recognize children as equal right holder and grants highest priority for their protection and well-being. India is also signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and accordingly has a strong legal framework to protect children which include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015; the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012; Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act 1994; the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005; the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009; Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006; and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016

Children are equal citizen of the nation and hence it is extremely important to safeguard the children from any risk to their lives. Recognising the importance of safety and protection of all children, recognised and guaranteed in the Constitution of India to all children to ensure equality, and non-discrimination on basis of gender, (dis) ability, age, religion, ethnicity etc., and the UN vide its UN Convention on Rights of the Child (1989)proclaimed via article19 that: “State parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.”

Further, Clause 2.2 of the preamble of National Policy for Children, 2012 states that,

· “All children have equal rights irrespective of place of birth, sex, religion, caste, class, language, and disability, social economic or any other status;

· All children have the right to a loving family, a dignified life free from exploitation and that families are to be supported by a strong social safety net in caring for and nurturing their children.

· Safety and security of all children is integral to their well-being and children are to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, violence, maltreatment and exploitation” NGO ( Name ) also recognises rights of protection of children provided by the special laws on children, in particular:

· Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015; · Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act 2012;

· Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006; · Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 2016

Vision:

 All children in India stay safe and feel secure in all settings and circumstances.