Members of CFD, guests and children during the annual convention at Don Bosco Campus, Dimapur on December 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 13
Dr Pritpal Kaur Batra, IPS, DCP (Crime), Dimapur noted that the most common forms of violence against children were sexual violence, physical violence, cyber bullying and domestic violence. She revealed that 150,000 cases were of violence meted out against children were registered across India, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2021. Out of this, 36% were physical and sexual abuse cases. ‘As such, whenever you come across such incidents in the future you, let us know,’ she said.
Delving in the area of social media and how it leads to cyber bullying, Batra said the availability of sexually explicit content harms their psyche and can destroy personal relationships as well. Interacting with strangers on unregulated websites further giving rise to exploitation were some dangers that parents need to be aware of, she cautioned.
She was speaking at the annual convention of Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD) and Chümoukedima, under the initiative of ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), held at the Don Bosco Campus, Dimapur on December 13. This year’s theme for the convention was chosen as ‘Protect Children from Violence.”
She further stressed on the crucial role that organisations such as AIDA played in protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse. Commenting that violence occurs for both males and females alike, along with the LGBTQ community, she said it is up to guardians and responsible citizens alike to create a safer environment for them in Dimapur.
Mentioning that Dimapur is rife with cases of children going missing everyday she said lodging a missing report to the police or informing colony council leaders at the earliest is crucial towards finding them. Moreover, it was pertinent that people make use of the Child Helpline number available to inform law enforcement about any untoward incident involving children, she said.
Besides these points, she also spoke on the dangers of using drugs and other related substances especially by children and young adults. More than the financial costs of using them, the biggest loss is one’s own life, she said. Therefore it is important that each one learn of you learn to say no from peer pressure or social media influences, she added.
Meanwhile sharing her experiences as a Child Rights Felicitator, Martha said responsibility and being patient with children were among the life lessons she learned. She also stated that working with underprivileged children through CFD has taught her the meaning of providing good education for them as a way toward improving their future.
Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator, CFD on the other hand, spoke on the journey of CFD beginning from September 29, 2021 up to today. She said the aim of this initiative is to create a city where all children, without discrimination, can have access to their rights to live in secure, enabling environments and develop their full potentials.
Based on the Child Friendly City Initiatives (CFCI) of the United Nations, CFD seeks to respond to the challenges of realising the rights of children in an increasingly urbanised and decentralised world.
Earlier, the welcome note was given by Rev Fr Roy George, SDB, Executive Director, AIDA. A thematic skit was enacted by Child Rights Club members while Rev Fr Angel Kuldeep SDB, Associate Director, AIDA, invoked God’s blessing for the programme. Over 330 Child Rights Club members, Child Rights Facilitators, different departments, Civil Society Organisations, youth and community leaders from different localities attended the Annual convention.
