Government committed to protect rights of children- Dr. J Alam

KOHIMA — Elucidating that children are the future of the society, Nagaland Chief Secretary, Dr. J Alam, on Friday asserted that the state government is fully committed towards the protection and rights of children to build a vibrant society.

He stated this while addressing a one-day state level symposium on “Model guidelines with respect to support person under Section 39 of POCSO Act, 2012,” organised by Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) under the aegis of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) held at  Hotel Japfü in Kohima.

Asserting that under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 have some provisions for guidelines to be made by the states, he viewed that the states must have been slow in framing their own guidelines for which the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had come forward and provided the model guidelines. He exuded confidence that the states would adopt the model guidelines and be implemented.

Observing that the acts are not so well known although everything is available on the internet, he stated that when people come together many queries and doubts could be cleared. He complimented the commission for bringing all the stakeholders together for the symposium.

Concurring that the children are the society’s future, he stated that protection of their rights is essential. Pointing out that children are in a vulnerable position as they are not able to defend their own rights, he added that the POCSO Act is there with provisions to support them.

He also pointed out the national and state commissions exist to ensure that the rights of the children are protected. He added that any case of injustice or sexual violence, sexual abuse against children are committed, the commissions are there for them.

The chief secretary also underscored the need to sensitise all stakeholders including state authorities, police, judiciary and other dealing with child abuse cases. He was of the view that in the absence of sensitivity among the stakeholders, many cases might go unreported and not take up properly.

In this regard, he called for collective effort of all stakeholders in creating awareness and sensitisation on the provisions of the acts in order to implement them in its true spirit.

He reiterated commitment of the state government to work towards ensuring a vibrant future for the children by implementing the act so that cases of child abuse, sexual offences against children are properly dealt with and the culprits are brought to book.

The chief bureaucrat also asserted the need to sensitise on the provisions of the act at home and school level in order to provide conducive environment to the children.

He further stressed on the need to encourage children to articulate ‘if something bad is happening so as to protect them and clear their minds.’ 

In his keynote address, Alun Hangsing, chairman of NSCPCR, said that Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) was established in October 2013 and added that it has been trying its best to sensitise at the grassroots since its inception despite meagre fund.

He emphasises on four pillars of child rights namely right to survival, right to protection, right to development and right to participation. He also expounded the role of the stakeholders comprising government officials and those involved in the mission including parents and others.

Asserting that the government is taking keen interest to strengthen the commission and the child rights, he stated that it is the dream of every government to build a society that has a vibrant future. He also pointed out the need to keep the rights of the child at proper place and told the stakeholders to be mindful of the same.

He further impressed upon the departments to strongly implement the model guidelines so as to ensure that the cases reached its desired conclusion.

Delivering the opening remarks, Yongchingkumla, secretary of NSCPCR, stated that the event was platform to share knowledge, strengthen commitment and safeguard the rights of the children. She requested the participants to actively participate in the discussion for deeper understanding.

Later in the technical session, Y Longkumer, secretary of Law and Justice department, spoke on ‘Victim compensation and roles of a support person,’ while  Anuj Saluja, consultant of NCPCR (legal division), spoke on ‘Guidelines for support persons U/s 39 POCSO.’