The nation’s leading child rights organization urges political parties to commit to ensure the rights of survival, protection, development and participation to all children in the state. Child Rights and the issues affecting children within the state continue to be conspicuously absent from the pre-election agendas of the various political parties, says CRY – Child Rights and You. The NGO has compiled a Child Rights manifesto which lists issues affecting children’s lives in Manipur, and has asked all political parties to commit to ensuring a safe and secure social environment, where every child can enjoy a peaceful and healthy life and grow to their full potential. As Manipur heads to the polling booths in a few days, the NGO has intensified its efforts to ensure the rights of children in the state by directly advocating with all political parties themselves.

As with all states that witness turmoil, the children of Manipur have suffered the worst effects of the unrest, even though they are not the obvious targets. Inaccess to quality schooling and education, poor access to basic healthcare and a palpable fear of  being kidnapped or trafficked out of the state are just a few of the realities faced by Manipuri children on a daily basis. On the occasion of the 10th State Assembly elections, CRY appeals to all political parties to keep the welfare and protection of all children in the state at the heart of their policies, and include child rights in their election manifesto.