Finding a way towards child adoption law in Nagaland

Finding a way towards child adoption law in Nagaland

Finding a way towards child adoption law in Nagaland

Resource persons and members of Nagaland NGOs Forum at the ‘Consultation on ‘Child adoption in Naga society’ held in Dimapur on August 20. (Morung Photo)

 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 20


A consultation on ‘Child adoption in Naga society’ today deliberated on finding a way towards an adoption law for the State of Nagaland by exploring a blend of Naga customary practices, acknowledging legal implications and with a touch of humanity and morality.


Organized by the Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) at the Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on Tuesday, the consultation was attended by a host of NGOs, government departments, civil society and legal luminaries.


As part of its resolution, the consultation agreed to continue with the prevailing customary practice and laws governing adoption and among the various Naga tribes in the state of Nagaland. It meanwhile appealed to the Government of Nagaland, in the light of Article 371 (A), to deliberate and discuss the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, in respect to child adoption for adaptation and logical implementation in the state of Nagaland to avoid its abuse, to maintain harmony and peace in Naga society.


Director, Prodigals’ Home/Childline Dimapur and Advisor, NNF, K Ela, in her keynote address said that due to ignorance of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) guidelines 2017, as well as Naga customary practices, Naga society is in a state of confusion when it comes to child adoption.


Ela said in absence of child adoption law in the State, there a numerous cases of child abuse and mistreatment, which usually go unreported. She also said that due to haphazard child adoption in Naga society, adopted children face identity crisis as they are “neither here nor there.”


Ela reminded that “adoption is an act of love, but the process comes from law” (SARA/CPS).  


Secretary and Managing Director, Wondang-Ki, Charitable Foundation, Dimapur, NT Kikon, highlighted on the CARA guidelines 2017 and also shared his experiences on child adoption. Principal, Tetso College Dimapur, spoke on Naga customary practice of child adoption and indigenous perspectives. President, NACWR, S Yanger and Nagaland GB Federation, Shikuto Zhalipu, also presented their perspectives on child adoption.


Legal advisor NNF, Dr. LK Achumi, in his concluding remark highlighted on the various legal aspects and tabled suggestions on child adoption against the backdrop of Naga customary practices.


The NNF in a concept note on child adoption in Naga society, pointed out that with the change of times, issues of child adoption have become a matter of grave concern for the Nagas. It said that due to ignorance of both customary practices and CARA Regulations Act 2017, many instances of illegal and random adoptions are taking place in Naga society.


“This is a violation of child rights. Illegal adoption also brings many problems to the ignorant family and such practices have serious implications to the society and the State in the long run”, the note stated.


It further stressed that there are issues regarding identity, rights and community life interlinked with the child adoption issue.

 
“As such, the special status enjoyed by the people of Nagaland under Article 371 (A) becomes very relevant on the issue of child adoption at this present critical juncture…The CARA Regulations 2017 and Naga customary practices of child adoption needs a thorough deliberation vis-à-vis Article 371 (A)”, it stated.


President NNF and Director, Indigenous Cultural Society, Dr. Y Heshito Chishi, was the moderator of the consultation.  The rapporteurs included Director, Miqlat Ministry, Asha Sanchu; Buhiu of Radical Society, Noklak; and two representatives from CAN Youth Dimapur.