OHCHR 2023 Child Friendly Report to the Human Rights Council on Child Rights and Inclusive Social Protection
The OHCHR submits the first-ever child-friendly report, conducted with over 600+ child participants worldwide. The premise of this report is based on children’s right to social support. Most children cannot access social aid and protection and, therefore, cannot access their other rights. Children must receive the support they need from governments as they face individual or collective circumstances. This report urges governments to place children at the centre of the laws, policies, and programs to ensure that every child receives the necessary support and can claim their human rights.
Issues of identity are highlighted in testimony from one of the child participants who says, “Children face barriers to access social protection if they do not have identity documentation, such as street-connected children, children on the move, or the children of casual workers” (Girl, aged 15, India).
Child Identity Protection (CHIP) welcomes the report of the UN High Commissioner, urging the preservation of all identity information including documents to be prioritised for children to gain access to social protection services and support.
