Networking meeting held in Kohima to discuss child protection rights

DIMAPUR — The Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) and the Ferrando Domestic Workers Alliance (FDWA), Kohima, organised a networking meeting for children club leaders on 'Child Protection Rights' at SFS Hall in Kohima on Saturday.

According to a press release, Lesley T Ezung, a member of the Child Welfare Committee, graced the occasion as a special guest.

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During her speech, she said that there are various news stories about children almost every day, and that children are being subjected to violence or assault, torture, forced labour, child marriage, or prostitution.

“Violence against children is widespread and remains a harsh reality for millions of children from all socioeconomic groups in India,” she said, adding that all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation have long lasting consequences for children’s lives.

She maintained, however, that the government of India has come out with several laws that have been implemented for child safety, including the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, the Protection of Child Marriage Act 2006, the Child and Labour Act 1986, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, and they have established institutions and mechanisms like the ICPS (Integrated Child Protection Scheme), which create a safe and secure environment for the development of children.

She also advised the children to note down the child helpline number (1098) for children in distress.

Vizokhono Dorothy, a member of the Child Welfare Committee, also spoke to the children about child abuse and sexual harassment.

She stated that children need to be educated in the absence of abuse, neglect, bullying, and harassment, that sexual harassment can involve one or more incidents, and that actions constituting harassment can be physical, verbal, or nonverbal, all of which can interfere with the child's mental health and leave the child with lifelong psychological scars.

A total of 35 people participated in the programme.

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