Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana has spoken out about the importance of children's rights and how parents and teachers have a critical role to play in safeguarding it to mark World Human Rights Day on December 10.
He said: "Violence can and should be prevented. As parents, teachers, members of the community, and duty bearers we all have a role to play.
"We need to reach out to children, to help them understand that they can speak out about violence they face to their parents or call the helpline – ChildLine 1098. We have to help children understand how they can protect themselves."
Khurrana also shed some light on the need to reach out to parents, and communities to make them understand the importance of changing behaviours.
"We also need to reach out to parents, friends, communities as we know that violence happens at home, in school, in playgrounds, by people children trust. Helping them understand the importance of changing their behaviours and responses towards violence as well as increase reporting," said the 36-year-old versatile actor behind films such as 'Article 15' and ‘Dream Girl’.
As the Celebrity Advocate for the children’s organisation UNICEF, Khurrana has been reaching out to children and families to promote greater awareness on the issue of safety and combatting violence.
He added: "My effort as a UNICEF celebrity advocate will be to reach out to the maximum number of people with messages to appeal to them through the way I can do best, to support ending violence against all children.
"I am committed to using my voice, my social media platforms, my talent, and my celebrity status to focus the country's attention on the need to #ENDviolence against children."
The actor has been very vocal on the issue and has previously stressed that Covid-19 has not been easy especially for children, making them more vulnerable to violence.
“We can prevent it by being aware and protecting those around us,” he said.
(ANI)