New Delhi:  About 64 percent of children from childcare institutions have been sent back to their families as a precaution against the deadly coronavirus following directives from the Supreme Court, UNICEF said on Saturday.

The apex court had taken suo-motu note in April of the condition of the children in protection, juvenile, and foster or kinship homes across the country between such pandemic, issuing directions to the state governments and other authorities to protect them. It had said juvenile justice boards should consider steps to release on bail all children who are claimed to be in conflict with the law and residing in an observation home unless there are clear and valid reasons not to do so. During a conference last Saturday and Sunday, the Supreme Court juvenile justice committee and the UNICEF examined and took stock of the actions taken by various states on child protection during the pandemic, according to a statement. "About 60 percent of children in conflict with the law were also released to their parents," the UNICEF said, adding that at least 132 children from childcare institutions across the country reportedly contracted coronavirus.

The key priorities summarised by Justice S Ravindra Bhat and UNICEF were: ensure child protection services are declared essential services and ensure there is a review of child protection schemes to address the magnitude of issues.

Women and Child Development Ministry Secretary Ram Manohar Mishra passed a statement: "We need to focus on the quality of services and their impact on the lives of children, and appealed States to draft a detailed district action plans with the support of children." Also, UNICEF India chief of child protection Soledad Herrero highlighted how coronavirus had become a child rights crisis.

Also Read:-

Vacancy open for Haryana Power Utilities Assistant Engineer: Recruitment 2020

Joint Entrance Screening Test 2021 exam date officially scheduled

Tamil Nadu Colleges to reopen, attendance optional