World Day against Child Labour observed

June 13, 2022 34 Views No Comment

Dimapur, June 13 (MExN): The NDWN Nagaland Region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development commemorated World Day against Child Labour with the theme ‘Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour,’ on June 11 at the Assisi auditorium.

Abigail Murrey compered the programme while Sr Salomi invoked God’s blessings. Sr Pramila, Coordinator, NDWM Nagaland Region & Director, Assisi Centre for Integrated Development in her welcome address appreciated the presence of likeminded people to voice out against child labour. “It is indeed very important to be together and consult one another for the best we can bring out for the children in our land. Everyone’s voice and the contribution can enhance the future of millions of children in our country and especially in Nagaland,” she stated.

She said that “when we look around children’s rights are violated, they are abused, neglected, tortured, made use for all types of social evils.” Violating a range of child rights, worldwide millions of children are trafficked and are engaged in work depriving their rights to education, right to play, leisure and healthy growth and of free mental, physical, psychological and spiritual growth foreclosing the opportunity of development, she added.

The growing number of girls working as bar, restaurant girls in many trans-border areas in Dimapur and in the Assam-Nagaland border are due to the conflict, poverty and unrest situation “adding with looking for glamorous world,” Sr Pramila stated. There is no particular caste or community only working in such areas, but all sections of the community, she added.

Labour Inspector, Lipong Longchar spoke on the theme and highlighted the importance of education, where parents need to be aware of their rights.

Loza, Centre Coordinator for Childline Dimapur spoke on issues faced by children; how it affects them mentally, physically; who is responsible; the functions of the Juvenile Justice Act; the provisions under POCSO Act and Childline support.

The programme was witnessed by CRM children, DWs, SHG members, youth, NGOs, local leaders. 320 participants were present. The programme was coloured by two cultural programmes performed by CRM children.

In another programme, the Community Educational Centre Society observed World Day against Child Labour at CECS conference hall.

Speaking at the occasion, Toshi Aier, Program Officer, CECS gave a brief highlight on the existence of World Day against Child Labour, the growing concern of child labour in the state and the world in general. He stated that child labour is the deprivation of an individual childhood.

He further stated that in Dimapur alone, there are around 164 cases of protection from abuse as per CHILDLINE state report 2022. He encouraged the gathering and the students to be aware and vigilant to prevent child labour exploitation.

Emphasizing more on the theme, he stated that, child labour is something that needs to be talked about, and a collective effort is required to eliminate this menace.

Deli Chakre, team member, CHIDLINE 1098, spoke on the scenario of child labour in Dimapur. He stated India has the highest number of child labour aged between 5-17 years followed by Bangladesh as per the South Asian child labour statistical report. The most common form of child labour in Nagaland include children working in garages, brick kilns and as domestic helper. He said that child labour is not just about forcing children to work. It leaves a stain on the child’s mind. It interferes with their mental and emotional health and prevents their proper growth and development. It is a blemish on the face of humanity that must be erased as soon as possible, he stated.

CHILDLINE 1098 as a child service provider has been working to eliminate child labour since its inception but not much can be done without the support of the society and as students play a very important role in eliminating child labour and poverty, he urged the gathering to be part of its mission for a child friendly society.

Earlier in the program, Mhaseto Rhakho, CHIDLINE 1098 Nodal Coordinator, welcomed all the participants and chaired the programme. A song was presented by the CECS choir, a short play was demonstrated by CEC school students and Informal Education for Marginalized Children (IEMC) students on child labour.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/world-day-against-child-labour-observed