Dimapur, Dec. 4 (EMN): A children campaign initiated by the Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD), AIDA, was officially launched by the additional deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Mhalo Humtsoe, on December 1 at AIDA hall on the theme “Protect children from violence.”
An update from CFD stated that the main objective of the campaign was to bring together different child rights club in Dimapur and Chümoukedima on a single platform and create awareness to protect children from all forms of violence including physical, psychological, sexual and neglect.
Humtsoe, who also unveiled the campaign posture, has appreciated AIDA for initiating Child Friendly Dimapur, a model based on child friendly cities initiative adopted by UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund). She lamented on the forms of violence that children undergo and lack of facilities that are required in order to make the cities child friendly. She called upon the civil society organisations, duty bearers and leaders from the community not to exclude children with special needs.
In conclusion, she urged the Gaon Buras and community leaders from different localities to identify and affirm any community or locality in Dimapur and Chümoukedima where children feel safe and secure. She also challenged the children to raise their voice to heard, get access to their rights and not defame or disrespect their elders.
Rev. Fr. Roy George, AIDA executive director, while delivering the welcome address, enlightened the participants on the initiative of AIDA in four different Northeastern states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. He expressed the joy of getting the support from the district administrators, municipal council, different departments, organisations, institutions and communities since the inception of Child Friendly Dimapur, AIDA. He further sought continued support towards making Dimapur and Chümoukedima child friendly cities.
Garrol Lotha, CFD project coordinator, has briefed on the concept and objective of the campaign to sensitise people towards protecting children from all forms of violence.
The programme was marked by special performances presented by Child Rights Club members from different localities.
