SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
Hopes and Hurdles: Children’s Voices in Nagaland
Published on May 1, 2025
By EMN
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- Child rights are the fundamental entitlements, protections and freedoms inherent to every child, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender or status. These rights are universal, inviolable and indivisible from the moment of birth. Every child deserves to be treated equally and with respect without being judged based on age or physical appearance. The status of child rights in Nagaland reflects both progress and persistent challenges. Nagaland, with its multifaceted traditional practices and cultural dimensions continues to face significant obstacles in ensuring inclusive child rights despite on-going efforts. Various socio-economic factors act as stumbling blocks to achieving the full realisation of children’s rights in the state. Despite legal measures like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which bans employment of children under 14 and protects adolescents from hazardous work, child labour remains prevalent. The Constitution of India through Articles 15(3), 21 and 24, guarantees protection against discrimination, the right to education and a prohibition on child labour. However, implementation of these laws remains a significant challenge.
- Looking at the current scenario, society requires a deeper
understanding of child protection mechanisms, the importance of education and
healthcare and the influence of both cultural and modern factors. The political
and socio-economic landscape significantly shapes and influences the lives and
rights of children. Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, is
embedded with values and teachings of Christ that emphasise love, equality and
justice. Christianity teaches that all human beings are children of one divine
God where discrimination and oppression are totally against, hatred and
hostility are rated anti and inequality and injustice are never encouraged.
However, the ground reality often does not reflect these values. Numerous
unspoken and unaddressed issues continue to affect children often driven by
unethical and unrealistic societal expectations.
- It is especially painful to witness children working as
domestic helpers, suffering in silence and facing abuse and exploitation behind
closed doors. Even more disturbing is the hypocrisy of individuals who go to
church every Sunday and pretend to be holy being the ones who act against
children. These kind of multifaceted masks are both shocking and shameful in a
Christian-majority state like Nagaland. Parents also need to think carefully
and be cautious before sending their children to live with others, especially
when someone promises to give the child a better future through education or
any other promises. In today’s world, it is a sobering truth that evil often
wears a kind face, much like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Genuine care must be
demonstrated through action, not just words.
- A disturbing reality is that the violation of child rights
begins within the home itself which the Naga society never accept the fact. The
dominant nature of parents and elders in the family confer zero space to their
children to explore their talents, interests and ambitions. Rather, parents
decide the fate of their children what he/she must do and become. These factors
crucially contaminate the psyche of children in pursuing their career which
massively hinder the emotions and mental wellbeing of a child to grow in peace
and freedom. We must ask ourselves: why are so many young people struggling to
achieve their career goals or find jobs? Are they being held back from pursuing
their passions, or do they simply need more support and resources to succeed?
Why state’s unemployment rate is increasing every year? Understanding these
root causes is crucial in identifying what has gone wrong in our society.
- Nagaland is a traditional society where most people rely on
agriculture for their livelihood. In this context, the contribution of family
members regardless of age is highly valued. This creates a contradiction when
trying to eliminate child labour, particularly in informal sectors such as agriculture,
domestic work and small industries. Such labour can negatively affect a child’s
education and overall well-being, especially when the work is carried out under
pressure or coercion. Child abuses such as sexual offenses, domestic
harassment, mental and physical exploitation are mushrooming in the state. In
order to address these challenges, proper administrative structure must be set
up for effective mechanism including active helplines, counseling services and
shelter homes requires more tempering. It is a sad fact that most children are
unaware of their rights and those very few who are well up on also panic to
raise their voice out of fear. Children should be given space to express their
opinions and heart desires that must be heard and seriously considered with
respect. It is the moral responsibility of older citizens to safeguard and
protect to ensure holistic development, well-being and dignity of
children.
- Nagaland presents a mixed landscape with improvements in
certain areas and persistent challenges. Rising rates of suicide, theft,
illiteracy and unemployment will continue to worsen unless children are freed
from psychological and mental exploitation and supported in pursuing their
dreams. On the contrary, today’s children do not necessarily need excessive
parents’ guidance, but they do need unwavering support while pursuing their
ambitions. By addressing the existing challenges and building upon the progress
made, Nagaland can aspire towards a future where every child’s rights are respected,
safeguarded and upheld paving the way for a brighter and more equitable
society.
- James Phanungkiu
Nagaland Districts
