AALO, Oct 22: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has reviewed child protection facilities in West Siang district and sensitised students and stakeholders on child rights during a two-day programme held on October 18 and 19.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit and the Department of Women and Child Development, combined field inspections of child welfare institutions with an awareness campaign on safeguarding children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
On October 18, APSCPCR members Miti Libang and Honluk Lukham, accompanied by In-charge Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-District Child Protection Officer Zirngam Kadu and the district support team, visited the newly constructed Juvenile-cum-Observation Home at Jirdin village under Kombo Circle, the Anganwadi Centre at Darka village, Mother’s Vision De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Hikar Gumin, the Zonal Hospital and Aalo Police Station.
The visits aimed to assess available infrastructure, service delivery and the preparedness of institutions involved in child care, rehabilitation and protection.
On October 19, the Commission organised a Child Rights Awareness and Mass Sensitisation Programme at JNV, Kombo, under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child”.
Aalo Additional Deputy Commissioner Mabi Taipodia attended the programme as chief guest, while Aalo police station officer-in-charge Inspector Yomken Riram was the guest of honour. ZPM of 2-Aalo East Upper Kenjar Ngomdir Lollen attended as special guest.
The sessions addressed a range of concerns affecting children, including mental health, emotional well-being, substance abuse, child labour, child marriage, cyberbullying and online safety. Participants were also sensitised to legal safeguards under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The sessions were conducted by Kennedy Bagra, director of the De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Hikar Gumin; Advocate Marphy Ete, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel; and Sub-Inspector Manthan Chithan.
An interactive session provided participants an opportunity to seek clarification and discuss challenges related to child rights and protection.
The programme underscored the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies, schools, police, healthcare institutions and communities to ensure effective implementation of child protection measures and create a safe environment for children.