As
a part of the free legal aid services of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, the
Porvorim Free Legal Aid Cell members organised a talk on ‘Child Rights’ at
Vidya Prabodhini High School on 11th February 2017 at 4.00 pm. The
topics covered were Child Abuse and Role of Parents and Children; secondly
Child Rights and the Child Helpline Number.
The
programme was attended by porvorim locals which included school students. Prof.
Sonal Sardessai, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme.
The
dignitaries Ms. Jessica Pereira and Ms. Soraya Borgeous were extended a floral
welcome. Ms. Jessica Pereira explained what kinds of child abuse exist. She
stated that child abuse need not be physical only but emotional too when
someone makes racist comments against a child such as “your are ugly” or “fat”
or “dark skinned”. Ms. Jessica also
brought to our wake by sighting real instances of child abuse in Goan schools
where boys are also victims. As per statistics the abuse to boys is much more
than girls and this is because boys are afraid to speak up.
Ms.
Pereira explained what role a parent should play when their
child is subjected to any abuse. Parents need to be more involved to know what
happens to their child whenever he goes to school or travels alone. She also
urged parents to be a moral support when their child is a victim to abuse and
not to blame the child rather assure him/ her of their security. She categorically stated that, if anyone
knows of such abuse cases can report the same by calling onto 1098 and the confidentiality of the
caller will also be protected.
Ms.
Pereira spoke to the children as to what should be their
role when they are subjected to any kind of abuse. She urged the children to
speak up to their parents or who they trust most and not to hide anything.
Mr.
Soraya Borgeous had an interactive session with the children and asked them to
list out their rights. The children readily replied that they had a right to
education, food, shelter, clothing etc. Ms. Borgeous then explained to them
that there are four categories of rights which cover civil, political, social,
economic and cultural rights of every child they are: Right to Survival; Right
to Protection; Right to Participation and the Right to development. Universally
Child Rights are defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Child (UNCRC) she added.
Ms.
Borgeous also explained the various forums that deal with matters of children
such as the Child Welfare Committee, the Juvenile Justice Board and Children’s
Court. Ms. Borgeous cited a few successes stories of rescued children leading a
better life due to their efforts.
A
small animated film in Konkani was then shown to the crowd. The film explained
how a sweet friend or relative can turn out to be you worst enemy. It
highlighted what as ‘Bad touch’ was.
At
the close of the session Prof. Sonal Sardessai explained to the people what
free legal aid is and how the society could benefit from it instead of spending
money for the same elsewhere.
Ms.
Yuga gave in the closing note and thanked each and everyone who was a part of
the programme.
