Two-day Northeast Regional Convention on Child Rights held
REGIONAL / NATIONAL: The two-day Northeast Regional Convention of the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) took place in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, under the theme "Strengthening Child Rights Protection in Northeast India through Regional Cooperation and Collaborative Action." The conference convened Chairpersons, members and officials from various State Commissions across the Northeast to discuss critical issues surrounding child rights including the implementation of the POCSO Act, juvenile justice, education, child trafficking, cyber safety and missing children as well as strategies to enhance institutional mechanisms for child protection.
The inaugural session featured Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who underscored the need for regional collaboration in tackling cross-border child protection challenges and proposed that the convention be held annually on a rotational basis among Northeastern states. On the second day, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo attended stating that the convention's recommendations would significantly influence child rights policies and institutional frameworks in the future.
He commended the commitment of participating State Commissions to strengthen child protection through collaboration and sharing best practices.
The convention concluded with the adoption of the Tawang Declaration on Child Rights that reaffirms the collective commitment of Northeastern States to enhance child protection systems through coordinated action and sustained inter-state cooperation. This Declaration will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for consideration and policy action.
It encapsulates key recommendations and resolutions aimed at ensuring every child in the region grows up safe, protected, heard and empowered.