PANAJI
The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has urged policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders to prioritize the health risks children face from pollution, climate change, and unsafe living conditions in their strategies.
At a workshop held in Panaji on Friday, the Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Peter Borges, stated there was a need for a child-centric approach in urban planning and environmental design.
“Understanding children’s vulnerabilities is crucial when designing environments for them...children living on the streets or in precarious situations face enormous risks, often overlooked in city planning. We need to rethink how we define and create child-friendly spaces, considering physical inclusivity for children with disabilities and other vulnerabilities,” he said.
The authorities carried out two studies between January 2022 and December 2023, which revealed how children (aged 0-5 years) and pregnant women are disproportionately affected by climate change, air pollution, and inadequate access to public spaces that cater to the requirements of early childhood development (ECD) services.
“These vulnerabilities are not just immediate concerns but have long-term implications on the growth and success potential of children,” the organisers said. The research involved consultations with stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and government officials at various levels.
