- DIMAPUR — Nagaland
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) organised a one-day
awareness programme on "Child Rights" on Wednesday at the DB Court,
ADC Office, Chiephobozou.
- According to a DIPR report, delivering the keynote address,
Alun Hangsing, Chairman of NSCPCR, said that the main purpose of child rights
is to ensure that children's basic needs are met, they are protected from harm,
and they can develop to their full potential.
- This includes fundamental guarantees such as the right to
life, non-discrimination, and dignity, as well as civil and political rights
like identity and nationality, he said.
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- Noting that child rights also involve protecting children
from exploitation, abuse, and neglect and ensuring they have access to
education, healthcare, and other essential services like protection and
well-being, he said child rights aim to protect children from physical and
mental violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of any kind and to ensure
children have access to essential needs like food, shelter, healthcare, and clean
water, which are crucial for survival and development.
- Speaking at the programme, ADC Chiephobozou, Alemyapang
Longchar, stated that children everywhere are vulnerable to abuse and
exploitation in today's society, which needs to be stopped at any cost.
- He called upon the participants and key stakeholders, such
as parents, relatives, the community, schools, churches, child helplines, child
welfare committees, local police, etc., to create awareness and spread
information on child rights and protection to ensure a safe environment for
children, enabling them to live with dignity and free from any form of
violence.
- The resource persons from NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari,
emphasised understanding the POCSO Act and its implementation. An overview of
the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act was provided by
legal consultant Lichani Murry, while the rights of children with regard to
education and a presentation on the status of child issues in Kohima District
were elaborated by Aying Wangsha, member, and Sekho Dawhuo, District Child
Protection Officer, Kohima, respectively.
