Kohima DLSA launches Pan-India School Awareness Campaign on POCSO Act

Our CorrespondentKohima | October 26The Kohima District Legal Services Authority under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority (Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan) kicked off the Pan India School Awareness Campaign on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 at Dr Neilhouzhü Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou, Kohima on October 26.The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness among students regarding POCSO) Act, 2012, the prohibition of Child Marriage and the mechanisms available for reporting abuse and seeking assistance.Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, Kohima DLSA spoke on the safety of every child and encouraged them to remain alert and not to live in fear.The students were sensitised about recognising inappropriate behavior, maintaining personal boundaries by respecting one’s own body and other’s bodies and speak up and report any incident of sexual abuse or exploitation happening to them without fear or hesitation to a trusted adult.She also spoke on online safety and never give in to the perpetrator who threatens for their private photos or videos and to report.She also encouraged them to use digital platforms responsibly and it is an offences to circulate sexual images of children.Also encouraging the teachers, she exhorted them not to blame the student who reports sexual abuse but instead help the child to reach a safe adult and report the matter.The students were also informed about the Child Helpline-1098 providing assistance to children in distress, including those facing abuse, neglect, exploitation or other situations requiring care and protection, encouraging them to seek help through this helpline or approach trusted adults and appropriate authorities.Further, she also highlighted the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act,2006, which aims to prevent child marriage and protect children from their harmful social, educational, physical and psychological  consequences. The students were made aware that the minimum Legal age for marriage is 18 years for Girls and 21 years for Boys.Following her address, the students were quizzed  relating to the topics and they actively participated which helped assess their understanding of the issues and encouraged them to remain alert, informed  and aware of the measures available for their safety and protection.Earlier, Alokali K Yeptho delivered welcome address while Kekhriengunuo Catherine, Advocate cum Panel Lawyer KDLSA, delivered the introduction on the Surakshit Bachapan Campaign and setting the context for the program on “Every Child’s Childhood is our Collective Responsibility”.The concluding remark was given by Berta Tep, Advocate cum Panel Lawyer KDLSA. About 300 students along with teaching staffs attended the programme.