Dimapur, June 14 (MExN): The World Day against Child Labour was observed in Dimapur at Assisi Hall under the theme, ‘In conflict and disasters, protect children from child labour’ on June 12 by Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) with the support of National Domestic Workers’ Movement – Nagaland Region.
Rev. Fr. John Poji from NEISSR, who was the guest of honour, highlighted how child labour affects children and their childhood, informed a press release.
Rev. Sr. Mary Dukru, councillor for the Provincial Superior of North East Province and also the Superior of the Assisi Campus, who was the chief guest said, “Our children are not aware of their rights; it is our duty to make them aware. Children are meant to learn not to earn. We must tackle child labour through integrated approach where we all come together and fight against it, which is the worst form of social evil towards our children.”
Assistant Labour Commissioner, Dimapur W. Tamwang Konyak stated, “We need to focus on the area from where children are brought down to Dimapur for education but are exploited.” He also mentioned that the new amended act on child labour had increased the age from 14 to 18. “The labour organisation launched the World Day against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Children are the hope of future let us all play our part to make our children labour free,” he added.
Sr. Pramila in her welcome address said that a beautiful childhood is essential to create a more creative and beautiful world. “It is our onerous responsibility that we have to mould and shape their present conditions in the best possible way,” she said.
Life cycle of a child’s survival, child development, child participation and protection was highlighted by Sunita Thobah, which was also acted out by both NDWM- Child Right movement Children and National Child Labour Project children.
During the programme, children of National Child Labour Project, NDWM-Child Right Movement and ACID tailoring students performed some items which were witnessed by 300 participants.
