On December 10 and 11 2016, KidsRights, together with Nobel Peace Laureates, leaders, children, and youth from around the world, gathered in New Delhi to end violence against children. The Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2016convened to call for the urgent need to act for children’s rights.
The Summit was organized by Mr. Kailash Satyarthi who received the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 for his struggle against the suppression of children and for their right to education. Satyarthi and KidsRights have a longstanding partnership. Since 2006, KidsRights and Satyarthi’s organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), have collaborated closely to end violence against children, particularly focusing on the eradication of child slavery.
BBA and KidsRights joined forces at the Summit to empower children and youth to contribute their views to the discussions. 37 Youth delegates, representing 5 continents, put forward recommendations to end violence against children. KidsRights Youngsters Kesz and Om Prakash attended the Summit with their peers from India and The Philippines. Kesz inspired the youth delegates at the opening session: “Decision-makers should listen to us and learn from our experiences, to ensure health, a safe home and education for all. It is therefore so very important that we are here today to find the right solutions to stop violence against children. Let’s help change this world one heart at a time!”
The youth present stood strong to have their voices heard and claim their participation in issues that directly affect them. We are still a long way from truly including their perspectives, experiences and solutions for a just world for children.