ITANAGAR, 29 Jul: State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) from all the Northeastern states will gather for a convention in Tawang to discuss pressing regional child rights issues.
The convention will be held on 31 July and 1 August.
During the two-day meet, child rights experts and activists will deliberate on key child rights issues, such as trafficking, school safety, prevention of bullying and ragging, inclusive education, mental health and psychosocial support, cyber safety, and online protection, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), the organiser of the event, said in a release.
They will also focus on the importance of regional cooperation, along with exchange of best practices and collaborative efforts to safeguard children’s rights and welfare in the region.
The discussions will further focus on the importance of effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
During the conference, the participating state commissions will present their major achievements, innovative initiatives, best practices, and challenges, providing a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration.
The convention souvenir, showcasing the achievements, innovations and best practices of the SCPCRs of the Northeast, will also be released.
The convention is also expected to adopt a declaration called the ‘Tawang Declaration on Child Rights’, reaffirming collective commitment of the Northeastern states in strengthening child protection systems, promoting child-friendly governance, enhancing interstate collaboration, and ensuring that the best interests of every child remain at the centre of policy and decision-making.
Adoption of a comprehensive set of recommendations on key child rights issues is also expected.
The to-be-adopted declaration and recommendations will be forwarded to the Government of India, the governments of all Northeastern states, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and other ministries, departments and stakeholders concerned for consideration, policy support and necessary action.
APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya expressed hope that the convention would build a stronger regional partnership to safeguard the rights and welfare of children across the region.
“The convention is expected to lay a strong foundation for sustained regional cooperation and institutional collaboration among the Northeastern State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights,”Anya said.
“Through the adoption of the Tawang Declaration on Child Rights and the convention recommendations, the participating commissions will reaffirm their collective resolve to work together to ensure that every child in the Northeast grows up in a safe, secure, inclusive and enabling environment,where their rights are protected, respected and promoted,” Anya said.
Chairpersons and other officials of the SCPCRs, representatives from the NHRC, senior government officials, members of the judiciary, police, Juvenile Justice Boards, child rights experts, academicians and civil society organisations are expected to attend.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu will attend the inaugural session, along with Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, and MLAs Mutchu Mithi and Namgey Tsering.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo will attend the closing function.
