In view of the increasing crime against children in Northeast India, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) stressed on the importance of the role of media and timely reporting of crime to check the growing menace in the NE region.
Paresh Shah, senior technical expert, North East Cell, NCPCR, appealed to the people not to hesitate in informing any child-related issues to authorities concerned in respective states. He was adressing the one-day regional-level orientation workshop of North Eastern States on Child Rights for media personnel held at PineWood Hotel, Shill0ng, Meghalaya on Tuesday.
The programme, organised by NCPCR in collaboration with Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) and facilitated by Seva Bharati Purbanchal, was attended by journalists from several Northeast states of India. From Manipur, three journalists attended the programme.
Addressing media on the sidelines of the function, Paresh said that there is no point in implementing various child protection laws and acts until and unless the cases are not reported. As such every citizen should report if they happen to come across any kind of child related issues, he said.
Pointing out that reports of crime against children have been gradually increasing in the northeastern states, the commission said such a trend may continue in the future and such heinous crimes against children should be addressed properly and controlled.
Paresh informed that 39 per cent of the total population of the country is children. To protect their rights and provide them a safe environment for them requires collective effort. NCPCR is putting all possible effort to reach out to every child of Northeast states. For this, the role of media is very important, Paresh said.
Chairperson, MSCPCR, Iamom M Syiem said that child-related issues are very sensitive in nature. Whosoever is tackling the matter should deal with the issue with a sense of compassion, she added.
Syiem said that the media’s role is immense to curb crime against children. Apart from just reporting the crime, they can also act as an identity developer for the victim, the chairperson said.
“Stigma and discrimination are the consequences that victims of any crime have to undergo. In this situation, media can play pivotal role in rebuilding their identity to lead a dignified life”, she explained while stating that the media should not only file news for child related issue just in the interest of getting more TRP or publicity but that they should perform their duties with the sense that they are dealing about someone’s life.
Right to survival, right to development of children, right to protection and right to participation are the four important rights guaranteed to every child, Paresh said, adding that the commission is ensuring these rights under various laws and acts.
