Wokha, May 19 (MExN): The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Wokha, under the Department of Social Welfare held a one day open discussion on child protection mechanism on May 16 at Wokha Town Hall.
The DCPO, Sekho Dawhuo while welcoming all the dignitaries and participants highlighted the various mechanisms available within the district for the protection of the children. He stated that the purpose of organizing the programme is to develop mechanisms within the district for protection of a child in need of care and protection.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Thavaseelan (IAS), in his keynote address thanked the DCPU for organizing such programme. He highlighted on the four Fundamental Rights of Children: Right to Survival; Right to Development; Right to Protection; and Right to Participation.
He also gave reference to legislations at International level, National, State and District level and urge the public to approach the concerns of times and avail the services of the bodies such as Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) in dealing with the Child in need of care and protection.
Raitale Zeliang, Programme Manager, State Child Protection Society, Nagaland spoke on the role of Village/Colony Level Child Protection committee in dealing with Children in conflict with law, Missing and found Children, Orphaned, abandoned and destitute children, children from families at risk etc. She stressed the need to report any ‘child in distress’ in time where the Village/Colony Level Child Protection committee plays a very important role.
The discussion brought into view the following points: Community Response; Psychological Intervention; Awareness programmes at Block level; Awareness in Educational Institutions; Church platforms to be used for awareness; Privacy of the child victims; and Strengthening of Existing Children Homes.
DCPU, Wokha Protection Officer (NIC) Mary Swüro in a press release said that the programme was chaired by Esther Sumi, Protection Officer (IC) and Counselor T. Pungoyi Nienu invoked God’s blessings. CWC Chairman Yihamo Patton also spoke about the need to mobilize the community in dealing with Children in conflict with law, and in need of care and protection. Superintendent, Observation Home, Wokha Woben Patton gave a brief overview of the programme while Tsenpemo Jungi CWC member pronounced the vote of thanks.
