Campaign to protect children from violence launched

Dimapur, December 2 (MExN): Child Friendly Dimapur, AIDA has initiated a children’s campaign with the objective if bringing together different Child Rights Clubs in Dimapur and Chümoukedima on a single platform and create awareness to protect children from all forms of violence.

The campaign was officially launched by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mhalo Humtsoe at the AIDA Training Hall on December 1, in the presence of Child Development Protection Officer, Gaon Bura Union executive members, other dignitaries, representatives from different NGOs, child rights facilitators and Child Rights Club members from different localities.

According to a press release, ADC Humtsoe unveiled the campaign poster on the theme ‘Protect Children from Violence’ and appreciated AIDA for initiating Child Friendly Dimapur, a model based on Child Friendly Cities Initiative adopted by UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).  

Humtsoe lamented that children undergo various forms of violence (physical and psychological) and noted that facilities that are required in order to make the cities child friendly. Towards this end, she urged the civil society organisations, duty bearers and leaders from the community not to exclude children with special needs in CFD activities. She also called on the children to raise their voices for their rights without ‘defaming or disrespecting their elders,’ the release stated.

Rev Fr Roy George, Executive Director, AIDA while delivering the word of welcome enlightened the participants on the initiative of AIDA in 4 different North Eastern states (Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam). He expressed happiness on receiving support from the district administrators, municipal council, different departments, organisations, institutions and communities since the inception of Child Friendly Dimapur, AIDA and appealed for their continuous support towards making Dimapur and Chümoukedima, child friendly cities.

Earlier, Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator, Child Friendly Dimapur, AIDA briefed on the concept and objective of the campaign, that is, to sensitise people towards protecting children from all forms of violence. The programme also included reading from different holy books and special performances presented by Child Rights Club members from different localities.