HAQ: Centre for Child Rights is a human rights organisation that focusses on all rights for all children. Founded in 1998 and formally registered in June 1999, HAQ envisions an inclusive society where all children grow up in an environment that rests on the principles of non- discrimination and equality and where the human rights of all children are recognised, protected and realised. The organisation thus seeks to mainstream child rights and children’s concerns in all development planning and action. In doing so, HAQ works through knowledge creation, evidence- based advocacy and communication, direct support for children in distress, strategic collaboration and partnership. This report is yet another outcome of the vision and mission that guides HAQ in its endeavours. Chapter Authors Chapter 1 Tamanna Basu Chapter 2 Preeti Singh Chapter 3 Tamanna Basu Chapter 4 Shreyans Raniwala Chapter 5 Preeti Singh Chapter 6 Tamanna Basu Editing Enakshi Ganguly Tamanna Basu For more information contact us at: HAQ: Centre for Child Rights B-1/2, Ground Floor, Malviya Nagar New Delhi – 110017, INDIA Tel: +91-11-26677412 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.haqcrc.org Preface Even as the year has changed, much remains the same as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. When the first lockdown was announced in India in March 2020, we hoped it would not last long as nobody was prepared. Soon news started coming in about loss of jobs, a crackdown of the public health system, lack of support from the government for those who needed it the most and a crashing economy.