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Colony ward leaders and representatives at the Advocacy meeting organized by FPAI and Human Rights Law Network, Nagaland unit. (Photo courtesy: FPAI)
Kohima, October 19 (MExN): Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Nagaland Branch in collaboration with Human Rights Law Network, Nagaland unit organised an Advocacy meeting for colony ward Leaders with Neiteo Koza, State Coordinator, HRLN & Pakinrichapbo, Law Officer, HRLN as resource persons.
As per a press release from FPAI, Vincent Belho, General Manager, FPAI in his introductory remark said that FPAI is an organisation, non-funded by the government, with its main office based in Mumbai.
FPAI in its 70 years of service has been providing voluntary service to vulnerable section of people. It follows a no-refusal of service policy, hence the clients who are not in a position to pay for the services can avail free and affordable service, Belho said.
He mentioned that FPAI promotes raising the family through planning and preparation, protecting the interest and happiness of the families. It also provides services for the protection of adolescent health and reproductive rights and top acts, which is targeted to promote young talents in the state.
Neiteo Koza during her topic presentation on POCSO & Basic Legal Provisions for women mentioned that Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act is not a gender specific Act but give protection to all children of sexual offences who are below the age of 18 years.
She said that at present, the definition of sexual abuse has broadened and sexual abuse against a child under POCSO has been segregated, some of which are penetrative sexual assault, sexual assault and sexual harassment etc.
She said that punishment against the offence of rape has been enhanced and made more stringent after the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2018. She pointed out that POCSO Act cast duty upon every person to ensure that children are protected and mandates the commission of sexual offences under this Act against any child be reported mandatorily.
She also mentioned that no person shall make any report or present comments on any child victim in any form of media without having complete and authentic information.
Pakinrichapbo, Law Officer of HRLN spoke on Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and Pre- Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (Prohibition of Sex) Act, and called upon the concerned citizens for effective implementation.
Ville Rhetso, Counsellor FPA India in her keynote address appreciated the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) for taking keen interest in mobilising representatives from different wards.
Akangkokla Namo, Programme Officer FPA India highlighted the concept and significance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for young people and urged the community leaders to initiate health and rights related program in the community for which the Association will act as a support agency.
Neibulie Kewhuo, President of AKMWP also gave a brief message. Meanwhile, the programme was attended by leaders and representatives from different colony wards.
