Nagaland Child Rights Week observed in Chümoukedima and Tuensang

As part of the ongoing Child Rights Week (November 14–20), the District Child Protection Units (DCPU) of Chümoukedima and Tuensang, in collaboration with Childline 1098 and under the aegis of Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare, organised awareness and sensitization programmes to promote child rights and protection.
In Chümoukedima, a one-day awareness programme was held on November 17 at Seitheke Basa Council Hall, witnessing the participation of around 200 individuals including community members and stakeholders. The programme was chaired by Childline project coordinator Mhaseto Rhakho.
Speaking on the occasion, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) member Awala Jamir highlighted key provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Child Marriage Act. She stressed the role of parents and the community in preventing child marriage and eliminating child labour through education. She also encouraged the use of Childline 1098 to report cases of abuse and exploitation.
CWC Chümoukedima chairperson Esther K. Aye spoke on the Right to Education, stating that every child aged 6 to 14 is entitled to free and compulsory education. She also sensitized participants on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and emphasized the need for timely intervention and awareness to safeguard children’s rights.
Meanwhile, in Tuensang, DCPU Tuensang conducted a sensitization and awareness programme on November 19 at Council Hall, Ngangpong village. Resource person Yangthriba Sangtam, District Child Protection Officer, spoke on various child rights including the right to live with dignity, protection from violence and abuse, freedom of expression, education, play, and holistic development. He emphasized the community’s responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
Sangtam also addressed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, terming child marriage a social evil that hinders girls’ education and development. He urged participants to remain vigilant and prevent such practices in society. On the topic of legal adoption, he clarified that adoption through Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA) is lawful and should be viewed as an act of love grounded in legal frameworks.
Hongen Thangty, Project Coordinator, Child Helpline 1098, highlighted the importance of the helpline’s services and elaborated on the provisions of the POCSO Act 2012.
Participants at the Tuensang programme included members of the Village Child Welfare and Protection Committee, Anganwadi workers, church leaders, GBs, student leaders, women leaders, and public representatives.