Mera Kanoon Mera Dost

To empower children with legal awareness, fostering their ability to navigate the law and prevent vulnerability to crime.

Globally, over 1 billion children aged 2-17 experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect each year. In India, rising cases of crime against children highlight this issue: in 2021, 53,874 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with a total of 1,49,404 cases of crime against children, marking a 16.2% increase from the previous year (National Crime Records Bureau, NCRB). Many cases remain unreported due to socio-cultural stigma and lack of legal literacy, which hinders children’s access to their rights and government welfare schemes.

The Sambhavna Centre for Research and Advocacy on Child Rights and Persons with Disabilities (CRACR&PD) emphasizes that prevention through awareness is essential. By providing children with accurate, accessible information in supportive environments, they can break the cycle of vulnerability and develop the confidence to seek support and protect their rights.

Mera Kanoon, Mera Dost is a unique initiative that empowers children to engage with and utilize the existing child protection framework. Through interactive workshops, the program educates children on their rights, legal facts, and available support systems in a child-friendly manner. Participants learn essential skills for staying safe, protecting themselves, and managing crisis situations.

Additionally, the program aims to foster trust and positive relationships between children and the police by providing opportunities for friendly interactions. This initiative also instils a sense of pride in the Constitution and its values. Since 2019, the Sambhavna Centre for Research and Advocacy on Child Rights and Persons with Disabilities (CRACR&PD) has conducted over 100 workshops across India, focusing on various child rights issues.

• • • Increase awareness of child rights, legal knowledge, and constitutional protections.
    • Educate children on handling crises and accessing resources for redress.
    • Foster a stronger relationship between children and child protection services.