‘Violations of child rights detrimental to child survival’

Vekhoyi Chakhesang speaking at the sensitization programme held at Chiephobozou on October 10. (Morung Photo)

Sensitization prog on child rights, role of VLCPC held in Chiephobozou

Our Correspondent

Kohima | October 10

A one day sensitization programme on child rights and role of Village Level Child Protection Committee (VLCPC) for Chiephobozou Block took place today at DB Hall Chiephobozou under the aegis of District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, Chiephobozou additional deputy commissioner Vekhoyi Chakhesang said that violations of the child rights are detrimental to child survival.

He said it is high time for us to take serious note of the increasing instances of child vulnerability in the state “so that remedial measures are initiated immediately before it worsen and gets out of control.”

He said that although the state is the primary duty bearer and accountable to protect the rights of children, the role of the parents and community remain very critical to the life and well-being of children.

This fact has been well-recognized in the recently launched Intergraded Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), which necessitates the state to establish, promote and strengthen community based child protection mechanisms at the grassroot level.

He said that the role of VLCPC is therefore vitally important towards creating a protective environment for all children even when adequate protection services and structure exist and are operating effectively because they are the first responder or contact persons to a child.

He said that children have a very special place in our society because of their vulnerability and their special needs for protection.

“However, protection of children remains the least prioritized nationally as well as in the states, notwithstanding the formulation of many policies and legal provision on the subject,” he said adding that this is due to the lack of enforcement initiatives at various levels to implement the rules and provisions that are already in place.

 
Need to intensify efforts to safeguard rights of children

Vekhoyi said that there is a need to intensify our efforts at all levels to safeguard the Rights of Children.

The ADC said that Constitution of India also guarantees certain child rights, covering basic issues like ‘Health, Education and Protection from Hazardous Employment and Exploitation’

Stating that children have rights as equal citizens of India, just as any adult, the ADC, however said, despite the existence of many legal provisions, the children in India are still not secured.

“Several indicators are showing how the child rights are being violated in different parts of the country. Children are being subjected to violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, putting them at risk of death, poor physical and mental health, emotional problems, displacement, homelessness, poor parenting skills later in life,” he said.

He said that one of the most serious global problem today is human trafficking and has taken away the “Right to life” of many people, especially children.

Even in our own state, the prevalence of human trafficking and child labour are becoming a serious social issue, he said.

He said that violations of child rights take place in Nagaland daily, but the sad truth is that they are under-recognized and under-reported.

“In Nagaland, almost every house-hold in the urban towns employs a domestic help and unless we initiate action, their miserable plight will continue,” he said.

 
DCPU coordinates all child rights and protection activities

Megoneituo, legal cum probation officer, District Child Protection Unit Kohima said that the DCPU coordinates and implements all child rights and protection activities at district level.

He said that protection includes not only protecting child from harm or lawfully but giving opportunity to participate and share their ideas as well as grievances.

Citing various cases, Megoneituo stressed on the need to understand the root cause of the mischievous behavior and bring them back to right path of living.

He said that VLCPC are the first stakeholders which directly link with the children.

“Being a responsible adult and citizen, it is our duty to protect the children and teach them the right ways and understanding for better future,” he said.

Earlier, keynote address was delivered by Povezo Puro, DCPO, Kohima.

Temsu Walling, member Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Kohima spoke on “Children in conflict with law” while Keneizakienuo Belho, counselor Childline Kohima highlighted the function and activities of Childline.

The programme was chaired by Vepotolu Ringa, Protection Officer, Institutional Care Kohima while vote of thanks was proposed by DCPU counselor Medoleu Zatsu.