Kohima, June 14 (MExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) organised a legal literacy programme against child labour at Baptist High Secondary School (BHSS), Kohima.
During the programme, resource persons spoke on the issues of child safety and child rights and duties, a press release received here informed.
Wapanginla Kichu, Panel Lawyer KDLSA spoke on ‘Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986. She said that child labour means employment of children in any work that deprives the children of their childhood, potentials and dignity. In the case of Nagaland, domestic help is a sector where child labour is employed and is becoming a serious concern leading to increase in cases of child abuse, runaway children, malnourished children etc.
“Many homes employ children below 14 years on the pretext of providing education without realizing that it is a violation against the law of the land,” she said while urging the students to speak up so that children grow up and exercise their potentials and contribute towards the betterment of the society.
Neiteo Koza, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA spoke on the NSLSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their protection Schemes) 2015. Highlighting the importance of Survival rights, Development rights, protection rights and Participation rights, she spoke on the Provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. She informed that this Act is specially designed to provide child friendly legal system for children and their protection in order to prevent any forceful or unlawful sexual activities, exploitative use of children for prostitution and pornographic materials.
She explained what child sexual abuse is all about and the preventive measures which can be adopted and that any children in distress can call CHILDLINE 1098 which is operational 24/7. She mentioned about the other legislations which are enacted for the children like the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) Act, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education. She highlighted about Cybercrime which is pertinent that children needs to be aware as they are more susceptible to the crimes which is happening around in the Cyber Space.
V Ashu Theyo, Panel Lawyer KDLSA spoke on Legal Rights and Duties. He encouraged the students to speak up their rights but at the same time perform their duties as law abiding citizens. He stated that every person who is below the age of 18 is considered as a child and have special laws to protect them like that of POCSO Act, Child Labour Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
He stressed on the Right to free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age which is given to let the best interest of a child develop.
Quiz on the topics presented was led by Akumla Longchari, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA where children participated with enthusiasm. Altogether, 410 children and teachers from Classes 8 to 10 were sensitized.
