Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell conducted legal literacy
programme on 31st January 2017, under the able guidance of faculty in – charge of the cell Prof. Dr.
Nagesh Colvalkar on topic titled ‘Human Rights in relation to Child Rights’ at
V.V.S Kunkoliekar Higher Secondary School, Ela,Old-Goa. Child
Rights members (CRG - NGO) of the State of Goa Ms. Nishtha Desai and Ms. Sushma
Pawar graced the function. Ms. Lorna Lotlikar, Principal of V.V.S Higher
Secondary School, Old-Goa also showed her presence on the occasion.
The
programme commenced with welcome address and introduction of the guests given by
student cell member Ms. Maria Cota Viegas. Ms. Nishtha Desai explained the
history behind child rights, while narrating the story of a minor girl 9 years
old by name Mary Ellen who was physically and mentally abused. In 1873, Ella
Wheeler, a social worker came to know the condition of Mary and helped her
through the support of ‘American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals’.
This
was the main cause which led to the establishment of ‘New York Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Childrens’ in 1875, which was the 1st
remarkable and bold step taken in the annals of the history of United Nation
Conventions on the Rights of the Child. This cause was supported by India, on
11th December 1992 by ratifying the Convention.
Ms. Nishtha further
proceeded to state that, Childrens Rights in Goa (CRG) is dedicated to
improving the status of children’s in the state. It creates awareness on the
rights of the child and is committed to prevent child abuse and exploitation of
children. It is also committed to promote gender justice through the activities
it conducts. Focussing on the ‘best interest principle’; the rights of the
child which includes the Right to Survival, the Right to Development, the Right
to Protection and the Right to Participation and stressing on the fact that offence
against the child warrants penalty, Ms. Nishtha discussed on the constitution
of CRC. Other serious issues which can be eradicated only by honest commitment
from people at large were also discussed such as Female Foeticide; Child Labour;
Beggary; Child Sexual Abuse; Child Sexual Exploitation; Corporal Punishment and
Negligence.
Another
key note speaker from CRG, Ms. Sushma Pawar explained the legislation relating
to the Goa Childrens’ Act (2003) with special reference to zero rejection in
school, health cards for all the children’s, internet safety etc. Other child
related laws were also highlighted such as Child Labour (Prevention &
Regulation Act 1986); Right to Education Act; Protection of Children from
Sexual Offence Act; Juvenile Justice Act, etc.
The
session was informative and interactive. The programme ended with refreshments
and vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ellysen Dias Sapeco.
No comments:
Post a Comment