KHONSA, Sep 14: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tirap, organised a two-day Child Rights Awareness and Child Welfare Assessment Campaign in Khonsa on Monday to promote child protection and create awareness about the rights and welfare of children.
Held under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child,” the programme brought together students, parents, teachers, Anganwadi workers and community members. The campaign focused on child safety, prevention of abuse, education rights and the collective responsibility of families, institutions and communities in safeguarding children.
Addressing the gathering, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik described child abuse as one of the most serious challenges facing society and stressed that both boys and girls are vulnerable. He emphasised the importance of early sensitisation and awareness among children to help them recognise and respond to unsafe situations.
The DC said parents are the first line of protection for children, while educational institutions and other organisations must fulfil their responsibility towards child safety. He also underlined the need to build trust and emotional bonds between children and adults so that children feel safe to report abuse or seek help.
ZPM, Khonsa Block, Necha Wangsu, stressed the importance of reporting cases of child abuse, particularly those involving girl children. Drawing from her seven years of experience with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), she said stigma and lack of awareness often prevent cases from being reported. She urged families and communities to remain vigilant and take timely action whenever they suspect abuse.
APSCPCR Member Ngurang Achung explained the role and functioning of the Commission in monitoring child-related cases, policies and issues. He said the Commission works in coordination with police authorities and Child Welfare Committees and takes up cases suo motu, including those brought to its notice through social media.
Achung also highlighted the continuing concern of child labour in the region and emphasised the importance of ensuring that children remain in school. He briefed participants on the procedures for addressing child-related issues and encouraged parents to report cases through appropriate legal channels.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by P Nomuk, Deputy Director (ICDS) and District Programme Coordinator, who emphasised the importance of extending child rights awareness initiatives to every corner of the district.
Interactive sessions were conducted on various aspects of child protection and welfare. Monglin Mongwang spoke on the Right to Education, school safety and bullying, while Advocate Nakap Matey, Chairperson of the CWC, discussed the Juvenile Justice Act, the POCSO Act, child labour and child marriage.
Clinical Psychologist Nita Tangha addressed issues related to mental health and substance abuse, while Inspector K. Techi, Officer-in-Charge of Khonsa Police Station, spoke on cyber safety, misuse of social media and online gaming addiction.
The programme was attended by ZPMs from various blocks of Tirap, including Dadam, Kapu and Deomali, along with CDPO Khonsa Chate Lowangcha, DHO Khonsa Dr Tagom Ronya, DIPRO Tirap Ponung Tasing, representatives of the District Medical Office, BCCI In-charge Sister M. Catherine Jose, members of the Juvenile Justice Board, students, Anganwadi workers and women’s self-help groups.
The campaign highlighted the need for greater awareness, empathy and collective action to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive and protective environment. (DIPRO)