The National Inclusive Children’s Parliament sent a letter-appeal to the president of the Supreme Court. Disruptions not only create problems for instruction, but deprive students of a regular meal provided by cafeterias. President of the NICP: “Schools are not just classrooms: they are spaces in which we grow, develop and feel safe.”
Delhi () – The National Inclusive Children’s Parliament (NICP), an association that represents and protects children from vulnerable communities, submitted a letter to the president of the Supreme Court of India, Sanjiv Khanna, in which it denounces the negative impact that The closure of schools has on children. The interruption of face-to-face teaching has been a consequence of pollution and climate emergencies, which are causing serious problems in the Indian subcontinent, but risk having an equally negative impact on the education of students, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable groups.
The letter – written and signed by a group of children – highlights that these closures end up compromising their constitutional rights, as well as those guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the rights to education, nutrition and security. This problem not only affects education, but also the primary livelihood of the little ones, because many of them depend on the midday meal provided by schools as their primary source of daily nutrition. Therefore, the closure of schools exposes them to serious risks of hunger and malnutrition, further compromising their growth and well-being. If no action is taken – the letter continues, reproduced by Catholic Connect Reporter (CCR) – children are at risk of falling into a cycle of poverty, exploitation and abandonment.
The appeal, which was launched through the channels of the NGO PRATYeK on behalf of the NICP, describes in detail the struggles of children – for food and books – and offers practical recommendations. The signatories propose that lunch or dry rations continue to be delivered even while schools are closed, to guarantee continuity in nutrition. It is also suggested to implement hybrid learning modalities, to maintain access to education, prioritizing safety during emergencies. In addition, the possibility is raised of transforming schools into day institutions and activity centers during vacations, offering constant access to food, protection and development opportunities.
The letter then highlights the broader implications of school closures, noting that children have been deprived not only of education, but also of essential resources such as safe environments, socialization opportunities and protection from exploitation. Referring to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children and Adolescents (CRC), children emphasize that the closure of schools violates their right to education, play, health and protection. They note that many of their peers have been left unsupervised, vulnerable to child labor and unable to access digital education due to lack of resources.
The document not only contains criticism, but also expresses gratitude for the Supreme Court’s efforts to address emergencies related to air quality, despite the need to think about more comprehensive and child-centered solutions. “Schools are not just classrooms: they are spaces where we grow, develop and feel safe,” said NICP President Nikky. And he stressed the importance of ensuring that no child is left behind, even in times of crisis.
The letter concludes with a call for systemic reforms to protect children’s rights during emergencies. By amplifying their voices, the NICP hopes to foster accountability at the judicial and political levels to ensure a future in which all children in India have uninterrupted access to education, food and security, even in the context of the challenges that posed by climate crises and pollution.
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