Annual Report 1999-2000 held that the MCD, being a local authority and an arm of the State, had a duty to implement the programmes of education and health care for the children of sex workers. In'the light'of the provisions of the Constitution, relevant Supreme Court judgments and the provisions of international instruments, the Commission recommended the allotment of an additional rooni ^ to the c6mplaihant organization, in addition to it retaining possession of the existing room. After repeated efforts to secure compliance of its directive, the Commission received a report from the MCD indicating that the appropriate action had been taken in accordance with the view expressed by the Commission. COMMENT In Gaurav Jain v Union ofIndia^, the Supreme Court held that, it is tlie duty of the State and all voluntary non-government organizations and public spirited persons to come to the aid of sex workers and to retrieve them from prostitution, rehabilitate them with a helping hand to lead a life with dignity of person. The children of sex workers are entitled to facilities and opportunities for their education and health care. Article 19(2) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child stipulates that: 'State authorities shall take all legislative, administrative, social and education measures to protect the child from neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse'. Articles 28 and 29 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child set out the obligations of States, party to the Convention, in respect of the education of children. Violation of rights of dalits, minorities, disabled and others Attacks against Christians in several states (Case Nos. 289/6/1999-2000; 351/6/1999-2000; 295/6/1999-2000; 481/6/1999-2000; I873/4/1999-2000;1933/4/1999-2000) In its previous Annual Report, the Commission recounted in detail the steps it had taken in respect of the killing of an Australian priest, Mr. Graham Stewart Staines and his two sons in Orissa, as well as the attacks that had occurred on members of the Christian community in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The Commission observed that, given the recurrent character of these grievous occurrences, a pattern transcending any single state appeared to be emei^ng, threatening the pluralistic character of the country and constitutionally guaranteed human rights. During the year under review, the Commission took cognizance ofsix specific complaints alleging violations of the rights of members of the Christian community. These ^vere complaints from: 1 AIR 1997 SC 3021. 134

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