The main issues related to street children are the violence, child labour, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS and STIs, violation of child-rights, crime, drug abuse, stigma and discrimination.It is time something is done to improve their lot.
A CAMPAIGN to establish an annual International Day for Street Children has been launched by the Consortium for Street Children dedicated for realising their rights. The campaign is being supported by international insurance group Aviva.
The International Day for Street Children is to be observed on April 12 to raise concern about them and give street children the voice all around the world so that their rights cannot be ignored.Street children (5-17 years of age) are the children, who live on the streets of a city generally deprived of family care and protection. According to Amnesty International, often street children are found engaged in some kind of economic activity ranging from begging to vending. They also work as child labour, domestic help, smugglers and prostitutes.
There are many street children who ran away for their homes for being beaten mercilessly by adults or sexually abused. But, it is a matter great pity and concern that the very often they further abused as child labour and prostitutes once they come to city."Governments need to listen. We want to help make this happen. We must give street children a voice. Together we are louder and have more impact so we are asking everyone to raise voices for street children," observes the Woodside School dedicated to street children.