Itanagar, Jul 29: Arunachal Pradesh will host the first-ever North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (NE SCPCRs) Convention on Child Rights at Tawang on July 31 and August 1, bringing together child rights institutions from across the region to strengthen collaboration and promote the protection of children.
Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), the two-day convention will be held under the theme "Strengthening Child Rights Protection in North East India through Regional Cooperation and Collaborative Action."
The convention will bring together the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura to deliberate on key child rights issues, exchange best practices and strengthen regional cooperation.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu will inaugurate the convention as the chief guest, while Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul will chair the inaugural session. Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mutchu Mithi, and Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering are also likely to attend the event. The valedictory session will be graced by NHRC Member and former NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo as the chief guest.
The convention will be attended by chairpersons, members and officials of the North East SCPCRs, representatives of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), judiciary, police, Juvenile Justice Boards, child rights experts, academicians and civil society organisations.
Participants will deliberate on issues including effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, child trafficking, protection of children in border areas, school safety, prevention of bullying and ragging, inclusive education, child mental health, cyber safety and strengthening child protection systems through regional cooperation.
A key highlight of the event will be the release of the North East SCPCR Convention Souvenir, showcasing achievements, innovations and best practices of the State Commissions across the region.
The convention is also expected to adopt the "Tawang Declaration on Child Rights" and a set of recommendations that will be forwarded to the Government of India, the governments of the North Eastern states, NHRC, NCPCR and other stakeholders for policy consideration and action.
APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya described the convention as a significant step towards building a stronger regional partnership for safeguarding children's rights and welfare. She expressed gratitude to the State Government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, for its continued support and commitment to child rights and child protection.
The convention is expected to lay the foundation for sustained regional cooperation among the NE SCPCRs and reaffirm the collective commitment to ensuring that every child in the region grows up in a safe, secure and inclusive environment.