Child rights programme organised in Chiephobozou

• DIMAPUR — Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) organised a one-day awareness programme on "Child Rights" on Wednesday at the DB Court, ADC Office, Chiephobozou.
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• According to a DIPR report, delivering the keynote address, Alun Hangsing, Chairman of NSCPCR, said that the main purpose of child rights is to ensure that children's basic needs are met, they are protected from harm, and they can develop to their full potential.
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• This includes fundamental guarantees such as the right to life, non-discrimination, and dignity, as well as civil and political rights like identity and nationality, he said.

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• Noting that child rights also involve protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect and ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and other essential services like protection and well-being, he said child rights aim to protect children from physical and mental violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of any kind and to ensure children have access to essential needs like food, shelter, healthcare, and clean water, which are crucial for survival and development.
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• Speaking at the programme, ADC Chiephobozou, Alemyapang Longchar, stated that children everywhere are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in today's society, which needs to be stopped at any cost.
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• He called upon the participants and key stakeholders, such as parents, relatives, the community, schools, churches, child helplines, child welfare committees, local police, etc., to create awareness and spread information on child rights and protection to ensure a safe environment for children, enabling them to live with dignity and free from any form of violence.
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• The resource persons from NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari, emphasised understanding the POCSO Act and its implementation. An overview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act was provided by legal consultant Lichani Murry, while the rights of children with regard to education and a presentation on the status of child issues in Kohima District were elaborated by Aying Wangsha, member, and Sekho Dawhuo, District Child Protection Officer, Kohima, respectively.