NEW DELHI : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released an advisory suggesting urgent action to protect the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, including children."Urgent action is required taking into account the constitutional obligations, domestic laws, the UNCRC's general principles and the SDGs to safeguard the lives and dignity of 39% of India's population which was impacted due to the pandemic," the NHRC said.According to the Commission, there are reports of increased violence against children, both physical and sexual, child marriage, and child trafficking.
Cases of child abuse and safety have also increased manifold during the lockdown is evidenced by the increase in calls to helplines.