Workshop on child rights and media ethics

Kohima Press Club (KPC), in collaboration with Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), organised a one-day workshop on “Understanding Child Rights and Child Protection: Role of the Media” at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on Saturday.
Speaking at the programme, Phek District & Sessions Judge and former Supreme Court Registrar, Mezivolü T. Therieh, urged media professionals to respect the dignity and privacy of children while reporting. She highlighted legal safeguards under international and domestic laws and stressed that journalists should avoid sensationalising incidents involving children.
Therieh cautioned that revealing a child’s identity—even indirectly—was punishable under laws such as the Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO and Cable Television Networks Regulation Act. She emphasized that both victims and juveniles in conflict with the law are protected, and their personal details must not be disclosed.
She also cited examples from Supreme Court judgments and the Aarushi-Hemraj case to underline the dangers of irresponsible reporting and called for ethical, child-sensitive storytelling.
NSCPCR chairman, Alun Hangsing, delivered the keynote address and said all stakeholders—including the government, media and society—must work together to ensure children grow up in a safe and supportive environment. He reminded that NSCPCR is a statutory body set up in 2013 to monitor child welfare under the CPCR Act 2005.
Hangsing noted that crimes against children in Nagaland are rising and stressed the importance of media in protecting child rights through fair and factual reporting. He appreciated the state government’s commitment to child welfare under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
The workshop included short speeches by Dzüvinuo Theünuo, director IPR, and Er. Sabou Yashü, director IT&C, who highlighted the media’s responsibility and the impact of technology on children. KPC president Alice Yhoshü delivered the welcome note and NSCPCR member Akumla Longchari delivered the vote of thanks.