More teeth for child rights stressed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30 2011:
A women's convention held today at State guest house unanimously noted the necessity of initiating an effective and capable State Commission for Child Rights in Manipur.
Organised by Mahila Kalyan Samiti (MKS) under the aegis of Child Rights and You (CRY), the convention was graced by senior citizen N Binoy and president of Mahila Kalyan Samiti Sarju Devi as chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, MKS secretary H Rasi said that the convention was organised with an aim to strengthen the juvenile justice system and integrated child protection scheme in the State.
She maintained that Juvenile Justice Act 2000 has been implemented in the State and in this regard, every district has its own Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and Special Juvenile Police units.
She said that more capacity building programmes for JJB members and police personnel could enhance the function of juvenile justice system in the State.
She further maintained that the child rights protection programme also need to focus on other aspects such as sensitisation and providing education to the parents, guardians, NGOs, Government and other stakeholders of the State to deal with issues such as child trafficking, child molestation and child labour effectively.
Senior citizen N Binoy Singh, the chief guest of the convention, mentioned that the Government should monitor the situation of the children regarding violation of their rights.
Regardless of having various Acts and programmes for the children in the country, their rights are still violated in various forms, he added.
He further mentioned that the State need a capable Commission for effectively promoting child rights.
Sarju Devi, in her presidential speech, urged all political parties of the State to include responsible agenda for protecting child rights in their election manifestos.
Moderated by Prof Sadananda and Prof Ksh Bimola in the first and second session respectively, the convention was also attended by Associate Prof Dr Ch Shilaramani and Imphal Free Press Editor Pradeep Phanjoubam as resource persons.