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Friday, September 20, 2013

STATE LEVEL CONSULTATION PROGRAMME ON PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT 2013

Collaborations begin to protect children better-REBYNA RANA
GANGTOK, 19 Sept: A State-level consultation programme on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2013 was held at the conference hall of Health Department here today. This is the first such programme organized by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights [SCPCR] and involved the participation of Police personnel, medical officers and representatives from non-governmental organisations.
The programme was chaired by the SCPCR Chairperson, Manita Pradhan, who, in her address, urged the participating members to put forth their views and suggestions on the issue which would be forwarded to the commission for recommendations. While informing about the function and power of the commission she urged the stakeholders of the society to come forward for the protection of child rights and protecting children from sexual abuse.
She said that personnel from different fields like medical, defense, police and voluntary associations need to play effective roles in protecting children. “The Commission has dealt with numerous sexual abuse cases and such cases are on the rise”, said Ms Pradhan.
Speaking on the Act she informed that it provides for the establishment of special courts for trial, keeping the interest of the child in mind at every stage of the judicial process.
“The Act incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences”, she said further adding that the Commission is all set to have another round of awareness programmes.
The Commission has already placed a proposal for a Juvenile office which is in the pipeline, Ms Pradhan informed. She also expressed gratitude towards the Police personnel for their genuine cooperation and the line departments for creating awareness on the issue.
The Chairperson also appealed to medical officers and voluntary associations to report any sexual abuse case where the victims are below 18 years of age to the nearest Police Station or the Commission.
The participating members also gave their suggestions on improving the process of defending the right of children and discussed on the various problems faced by the concerned authorities in this aspect. They also suggested that the commission organize sensitization programmes on Sexual Offences Act 2013 among the people. Increasing more juvenile observation homes, creating awareness amongst the medical practitioners, coordination between the concern departments and speeding court proceedings etc were some other suggestions placed.
Earlier, the Legal Officer Yousa Lachenpa of SCPCR briefed about the Sexual Offences Act 2013.

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