NCPCR directs state govt to address issues of children infected and affected by HIV & AIDS
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 17 2011:
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Government of Manipur to conduct district-level public hearings so that issues related to children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS can be identified and addressed.
The directive was issued to the Government of Manipur on the first day of the two-day state-level public hearing, today in Kangla hall, Imphal.
The public hearing is being organized by NCPCR in coordination with Drugs and HIV/AIDS Workers Manipur, a body comprising of NGOs, HIV positive and drug users' networks in Manipur.
G Satyabati, Director, Social Welfare Department, Ashok Kumar, Project Director, MACS, W Rajen, Director, Department of Education (S), RK Dinesh, DC, Thoubal, was among several officials representing Social Welfare Department, MACS and Department of Education (S) were summoned by the commission.
"There are no issues which cannot be resolved, what we need is coordination and sincerity to address it", said Professor Shantha Sinha, Chairperson, NCPCR.
Reacting to a case presented before the jury, Prof Sinha urged government departments to come up with strategies on how best a child can be made to live with dignity.
"It is for the government to come up with a care plan for young girl.
She has challenged you and our capacities to address her rights".
She made these observations after Shanti (name changed) deposed her case before the commission.
Shanti's grandfather, who also deposed along with her, lost his son and daughter-in-law due to AIDS.
The commission demanded a plan for Shanti and a report from concerned departments after three months from now.
Altogether 23 infected and affected children, a number of them orphans, deposed before the commission.
The commission directed Deputy Commissioners to gather data on children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in their respective districts and review their condition.
Underlining lack of awareness of existing government schemes in the state Prof Sinha urged officials concerned to reach out rather than wait for people to access schemes.
L Deepak, President, MNP+ said , such hearing will make government departments take notice of issues confronting us".
Appreciating NCPCR's initiative he said it will go a long way in forging government-NGO partnership and improving service delivery.
Prof Sinha gives varous suggestions to Ashok Kumar, Project Director, MACS.
Y Shasikumar Singh, Convenor, Drugs and HIV/AIDS Workers, appreciated the initiative taken by the NCPCR for the cause of children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in the country.
The hearing will continue tomorrow at the same venue.