Mon, October 8 (MExN): The 4th State level consultation and coordination meeting on child labour was held at DRDA conference hall, Mon on October 7, organized by Nagaland Alliance for Children and Women Rights (NACWR) in collaboration with District Child Protection Unit Mon, Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum (KBBB), and IMCC: Commission on Anti Human Trafficking.
Superintendant of Police, Mon, Yangpa Konyak emphasized that the issue of child labour is so important that the attention of the legislature, executive, and judiciary alone will not do, but it requires immediate serious attention of social reformists, NGOs and all those who care for the development of our society. He pointed out that the cause of child labour is mostly attributed to the economic conditions of family, ignorance, illiteracy, population explosion, lack of knowledge of their rights by poor parents, indebtedness, large size family but less income, lack of security scheme in our country, and weak enforcement of laws, according to a press release.
He also maintained that children are our future and the progress of any nation is largely determined by how its children grow and develop. He further advocated that children should be given ample opportunities for development of his or her personality – they should have a proper family atmosphere and the reality of leading an individual life in a society with progression of time.
Ela, Adviser NACWR, while presenting an overview of the alliance, said NACWR is a voluntary alliance of organizations and individuals from all walks to voice out the issues concerning children and women in the state. The alliance since its inception in 2013 has been working tirelessly for children in need of care and protection, in conflict with laws, adoption case, advocacy and networking with government departments and other like-minded organizations, she added.
Yuhwang Konyak, Vice President, Konyak Union while exhorting the participants said child labour is a major problem in the society and the causes differ from person to person – lack of proper parenting, children’s desire to be out of their place, and lack of facilities. He encouraged the audience to be strong and fight for their rights.
Asha Sanchu, President, NACWR, welcomed the participants and also appreciated the people’s response to share and learn together. She informed that NACWR has 40 alliances in the state to create a safer Nagaland.
The meeting also had a panel discussion related to the issues of child labour.
