Need a mechanism for effective enforcement of child protection measures: DC Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 20
Role of church in providing a platform to highlight issues of child rights and the pressing need for a mechanism for effective enforcement of child protection measures in Nagaland was underscored by speakers at a sensitization programme on child rights held in Kohima.
“Children have their rights but it is not enforced or honoured, therefore it is required to have a mechanism for protection of the child rights,” Deputy Commissioner, Kohima Rovilatuo Mor stated at the programme which was organized by the District Child Protection Unit, Kohima at the Zonal Council Hall.
His remark comes in the backdrop of the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl minor who was reportedly working as a domestic help by a 68-year-old sexagenarian in Mokokchung.
Mor pointed out it is the bounden duty of the society and particularly the church forum to give proper projection and highlight on child rights and place them in the right perspective.
“Children are future of the society and the nation and if we cherish to have better society, strong nation we require to produce upright, refine, healthy and vibrant children,” the DC stated.
In this, he called upon the civil societies and intellectuals to come forward and ensure safety and place children in the right perfective for a brighter and prosperous future.
The DC also cited four basis rights of children- Right to survival of the child, right to protection, right to participation and right to development.
While lamenting over the reported incidences of rape of minor, ill treatment to children of down trodden and child labour which exist in the form of domestic workers, Mor pointed out that the Village Level Child Protection Committee (VLCPC) has been formed in all villages of Kohima district for effective enforcement of child protection measures.
He noted that the same committee is also required in the ward and colony level as well.
Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, Director, State Child Protection Society, Nagaland said the objective of the state child protection society is to provide safe and secure environment for overall development of children in need of care and protection. He also stated that child protection society at the state level, district and village level contributes a lot to well being of children in difficult circumstances.
Touching on Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Nyuthe also felt that since the church play a vital role in the Naga society, it would do good if the scheme were also discussed at the church platform.
Resource persons at the sensitization programme include Vibazonuo Kire, member secretary CWC & President Kekhrie Foundation and Visevonuo member JJB and Principal Kohima Law College.
It may be recalled that the Government of Nagaland signed a MoU with the Ministry of Women & Child Development on October 8, 2009 and consequently the State Child Protection Society Nagaland came into existence on March 2010.
The ICPS brings together multiple existing child protection schemes of the Ministry under one comprehensive umbrella and integrate additional interventions for protecting children and preventing harm.
ICPS is a centrally sponsored scheme aims at building a protective environment for children in difficult circumstances, as well as other vulnerable children through government- civil society partnership.
ICPS aims to not only create an environment for protection for all children but also recognizes that some children, who are in very difficult circumstances, need special attention and support.
There is also a Childline 24-hour toll free telephone helpline-1098.
