Seminar On Child Protection

Date: June 1st, 2024
Presenter: Mrs. Sujatha Suresh (Child Activist), Member of the CPC Advisory Committee BCBS.

Introduction
On June 1st, 2024, school organized a seminar on child protection for all the faculty, led by Mrs. Sujatha, a renowned child activist. The seminar aimed to address the critical issues related to safeguarding children from various societal threats. Mrs. Sujatha emphasized the paramount importance of protecting children and creating a safe, nurturing environment for them to thrive.

Key Highlights
Understanding Child Protection
The seminar began with an introduction to the concept of child protection, highlighting the inherent vulnerabilities of children and the necessity for robust protective measures. The discussion underscored the need for a secure environment free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Key Legislative Frameworks
The seminar detailed several significant acts and international conventions that play vital roles in child protection and welfare. Below is an overview of the key frameworks discussed:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Overview: An international treaty recognizing and protecting children's rights globally. Adopted in 1989, it is ratified by nearly every country.
Key Articles:
Article 3: Ensures that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all actions concerning children.
Article 19: Protects children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Article 28: Recognizes the right to education, ensuring that primary education is compulsory and free for all.

Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
Overview: Ensures that children between the ages of 6 to 14 years have the right to free and compulsory education.
Key Provisions:
Section 3: Every child has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school until the completion of elementary education.
Section 8: Mandates the government to ensure that no child is discriminated against or prevented from pursuing and completing elementary education.
Disciplinary Measures: Non-compliance with the RTE Act can result in penalties for schools and educational authorities.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
Overview: Provides a framework for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection.
Key Provisions:
Section 4: Establishes the Juvenile Justice Board for adjudication and disposal of cases concerning children in conflict with the law.
Section 27: Sets up Child Welfare Committees to cater to children in need of care and protection.
Disciplinary Measures: Violation of the JJ Act can lead to legal actions against offenders, ensuring accountability and enforcement.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
Overview: Enacted to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
Key Provisions:
Section 3: Defines and categorizes different forms of sexual assault, including penetrative and non-penetrative assault.
Section 19: Mandates the reporting of suspected child sexual abuse cases, with penalties for failure to report.
Section 21: Outlines stringent punishments for offenses under the act, including imprisonment and fines.
Disciplinary Measures: Ensures stringent punishments for offenders, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to child sexual abuse.

Conclusion:
The seminar concluded with a question and answer session along with discussion on the disciplinary measures associated with the violation of these acts, reinforcing the importance of legal compliance and the need for vigilance in child protection efforts. Mrs. Sujatha emphasized the collective responsibility of society, government, and institutions in safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their well-being.

Key Takeaways:
Continued Advocacy: The need for ongoing advocacy and awareness to ensure the effective implementation of child protection laws.
Legal Compliance: Importance of adhering to legislative frameworks to create a secure environment for children.
Collective Responsibility: Emphasizing the role of society, government, and institutions in protecting children's rights.
This seminar provided valuable insights and reinforced our commitment to child protection. The detailed discussions on key legislative frameworks and their provisions are crucial for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children.