NSCPCR Chairman Alun Hangsing with district administration officials, police personnel, CSO representatives and others during the awareness programme on child rights and child protection held at VDB Hall, Zunheboto on April 8. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 8
An awareness programme on child rights and child protection was held in Zunheboto on Wednesday, with speakers emphasising the need for vigilance and stronger mechanisms to safeguard children, particularly in the digital age.
The programme was organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Zunheboto, at the VDB Hall.
Delivering the keynote address, NSCPCR Chairman Alun Hangsing highlighted the history and evolution of child rights and stressed their importance in nation-building. He described children as the backbone of the nation and called for stronger groundwork to ensure their protection and development.
He noted that Nagaland adopted the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, following which the NSCPCR, an autonomous statutory body with legal authority, was established in October 2013. The commission’s rules were framed in 2015, and it is mandated to monitor and ensure that laws, policies and administrative mechanisms are aligned with child rights provisions enshrined in the Constitution, he added.
Hangsing urged stakeholders to take child rights seriously, especially in the present technological era where both positive and negative influences are easily accessible online. He cautioned that exposure to harmful content has increased significantly, making awareness and vigilance more crucial than ever.
Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Tiameren Chang, also addressed the programme and expressed appreciation to the commission for organising the event. He urged participants to actively spread awareness on child rights and protection within their communities.
The programme featured sessions on key child protection laws and frameworks. Legal Consultant of NSCPCR, Lichani Murry, presented an overview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the adoption process. She explained that juveniles are categorised into children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, and emphasised that their identities must not be disclosed in media or public.
She added that the juvenile justice system aims to ensure child development through a child-friendly approach and rehabilitation.
Another session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was delivered by NSCPCR Member Akumla Longchari, who highlighted safeguards against abuse. She explained that the Act covers all children below 18 years and outlines offences such as penetrative sexual assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment, use of children for pornographic purposes, and aggravated forms of these offences.
She underlined that reporting offences under the POCSO Act is mandatory and non-compoundable, and failure to report can attract imprisonment of up to six months or a fine. She also stressed non-discrimination and highlighted preventive roles in addressing such issues.
Earlier, the programme was moderated by Childline Coordinator Pollen Yepthomi and included interactive sessions on child protection issues and legal provisions. It concluded with an open house discussion, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Lauying, Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU Zunheboto.
