UNICEF positive to State's proposal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 08 2011: United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative to India, Karin Hulshof who visited Manipur a few days back has reportedly assured that the UNICEF would get in touch with Chief Secretary DS Poonia soon, regarding matters in which the UN agency can help children of the State.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Social Welfare Director G Seityabati said that the department also submitted certain proposals to the UNICEF representatives who were at Imphal on April 5 and 6 .

The proposals put up by Social Welfare Department where UNICEF's support in multi-level mass sensitization programmes in the whole State with particular focus on the issues of trafficking, prevention of drug abuse, involvement in armed conflict, rights of children etc.

The second proposal was UNICEF's sponsorship for trauma counsellors attached to Child Welfare Committee (CWC) offices in all the nine districts; setting up of recreational and amusement parks in all the districts for children and sponsoring vehicles at each district for CWC offices and children homes.

The third proposal was opening of vocational training centres for children below 18 years in all districts.

The proposed vocational training may cover computer trade course, TV, mobile phone and other electronic item repairing, tailoring and embroidery, handloom and handicrafts, cane and bamboo, food preservation, candle making, bouquet preparation, beauty parlours etc.

The last proposal of the department was imparting special training to members of the State/district level anti-trafficking squad, police, judiciary, CWC, functionaries of children homes, NGOs working in the area of child protection and members of the community.

After perusing these proposals, Karim Hulshof and UNICEF Field Services Chief Edward Beigbeder who was a member of the visiting team assured that the UNICEF would take up all possible measures for the welfare of children in Manipur.

They further stated that the UNICEF would make timely correspondence with Chief Secretary DS Poonia regarding the proposals.

Noting that the rates of drug abuse, involvement of children in armed conflict and violation of children's rights have been raising alarmingly, Seityabati underscored the need to take necessary precautions in order to save the children from being afflicted by trauma.

She also highlighted the care and support needed by children living with HIV/AIDS.

The Director also acknowledged the UNICEF representatives' visit to the State as very timely and productive.

Generally, the UNICEF works for children's rights, their survival, well being, development and protection.

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