Chief Justice Calls for Greater Inclusivity for Children with Disabilities

Orissa High Court Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh urged stakeholders to commit to inclusivity for children with disabilities in the juvenile justice system. The 9th Annual Stakeholders Consultation discussed challenges, legal implementations, and data from a UNICEF study highlighting the vulnerability of disabled children in institutions.

On Sunday, Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh of the Orissa High Court called on stakeholders to enhance inclusivity for children with disabilities within the juvenile justice system. The virtual address took place during the 9th Annual Stakeholders Consultation on the Protection of Children with Disabilities at the Odisha Judicial Academy in Cuttack.

Chief Justice Singh underscored the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by disabled children, advocating for comprehensive legal implementation that considers their specific needs. He emphasized the necessity of upholding the rights of all children, particularly those with disabilities, as a step towards a just and equitable society.

Justice Debabrata Dash, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, highlighted the deficiencies in the current system, urging participants to identify and address gaps. UNICEF's August 2022 study revealed that disabled children are significantly overrepresented in childcare institutions and have higher mortality rates. Stakeholders, including UNICEF's Chief of Field Office William Hanlon Jr. and state officials, reiterated the importance of inclusive policies to enable disabled children to reach their full potential.

(With inputs from agencies.)