Neetu Sharma

2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Enabling Access to Justice for Children in Conflict with the LawIndia

Neetu Sharma is a passionate researcher and social development professional. She is committed to ensuring the realization of child rights. She has 23 years of experience in policy research, teaching and practice in the area of child rights law as well as in food security. She currently works at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Enabling Access to Justice for Children in Conflict with the Law

The project connected 70 children (many of whom belong to socially and economically marginalized communities) with legal representation services through a network of 12 lawyers. An additional 300 people (the 70 children’s families) received links to psycho-social services, and were informed about the rights of children while they are in the judicial system. The wider community was also made more aware of the legal process for minors and gained insights into preventive as well as procedural aspects of law.  Three members of the Juvenile Justice Board were inspired by the project to recommend similar training on child protection and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act for all free legal aid lawyers.

"The project helped us come together and synchronize other legal skills with that of [the] child rights framework. At times, as lawyers we are so occupied reading and interpreting provisions that we lose sensitivity. I am glad that I could be part of this group that is facilitating greater understanding on child rights." - Participating Lawyer

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Neetu participated in the IVLP Project Children's Rights and Legal Protections, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with GlobalPittsburgh, San Diego Diplomacy Council, and Global Ties KC.

US Communities Visited

San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Kansas City, MO; Pittsburgh, PA

Country: India 

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