Dimapur, May 3 (EMN): In a move that could bring positive change to the society, the Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH) conducted a seminar on ‘Child rights and adoption of a child’ at Khekiho Village, Dhansiripar, Dimapur on May 3. The event was hosted by Khekiho village under Aqahuto Tokukujo Sümi Totimi Hoho (ATSTH).
General Secretary of WSTH Holi Chophy said that the seminar was conducted as many don’t follow laws, including protection of child rights and rules regarding adoption of a child, informed an update from WSTH.
The Indian govt under Article 14 of the Fundamental Rights provides equal rights to every man, women and children, and so each person should be treated equally, said Chophy, who spoke on the topic ‘Child Rights and Adoption of a Child’ at the event. Many parents think that they impose their thoughts and ideas on their children as they have given birth to them but a child should be given the freedom of thoughts and ideas, she added.
‘In order to protect children from sexual offences and child labour, the government has provided four laws- The Child Labour Protection and Regulation Act 1986, The Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act 1956, The Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act 2012 and Victim Compensation Scheme 2012. Persons found guilty of breaking these laws can be imprisoned from six months to two years,’ said Chophy.
She also reiterated that, “When we adopt a child, every right should be given to them and should be treated equally as our own biological children” and that adoption should be done “legally through legal organisation and orphanage so that every child’s right is protected.”
Medical test and investigation on a child’s parentage should be done before adopting, said Chophy, reminding that it is illegal to just adopt a child from hospitals without knowing the parents or buy from some persons.
Earlier, WSTH president Jolly Zhimo thanked the Aqahuto STH, Khekiho village and all the participants in her key note address. She said that the present WSTH team has been working on inclusivity – to ensure that no single woman, be it a widow, disabled person, poor or young is not left out.
Referring to WSTH’s theme Cheh Kümtsani (To walk together), Zhimo said ‘to walk together is not for the WSTH alone but for all the units and STH under the Hoho to do so through their guidance and work.’
