The COVID-19 crisis affects the human rights of all children in all countries. Emerging pieces of evidence show that the pandemic and the response to it have varying impacts on the realization of the rights of the child. The lockdowns and confinement measures increase the risks of children witnessing or experiencing domestic violence and gender-based violence, disproportionately affecting girls. School suspensions, limited access to sexual and reproductive health information, and increased levels of sexual abuse and exploitation may lead to a rise in teenage pregnancy rates and maternal and child death rates. The loss of jobs and reduced income due to the pandemic response could push more children in Asia to live in extreme poverty. Distance learning is highlighting the digital divide in terms of gender, disability, geographical area, and generation. The COVID-19 pandemic and response have diverse effects on the realization of the rights of children accessing the justice system and of children in street situations, in indigenous communities, in conflict-affected areas, in alternative care, in informal settlements, in the context of migration, and in other situations of vulnerability. Furthermore, the physical health risks, isolation, school closures, economic vulnerabilities, and uncertainty of the future due to the pandemic are adversely affecting children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being.
On the other hand, we see children taking action. We see children striving to understand the COVID-19 pandemic and being involved in protecting themselves, their families, and their peers. They are using digital tools and other platforms to support each other, promote awareness, exchange information, and voice out their opinions. These are pieces of evidence that show children as active citizens and not as passive subjects of the pandemic response.
As part of our efforts to empower children, we have gathered the different efforts of child-led groups supported by CRC Asia member organizations, as well as the various activities of children we have worked with previously, to demonstrate that this unprecedented pandemic crisis presents an opportunity for us, adults, to help children develop their skills and leadership in civic engagements at the local, national, regional, and global levels.
