DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) led by chairman, Alun Hangsing held a meeting with the director and senior officials of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) at the directorate of IPR on May 20. The meeting deliberated on strengthening child protection mechanisms, especially concerning the role of the media.
According to a DIPR report, during the meeting, Hangsing underscored the significant responsibility of the media in ensuring the rights, safety, and dignity of children, particularly in how they are portrayed and discussed in public forums. He stressed that violations, whether intentional or stemming from a lack of awareness, could have long-lasting psychological and social consequences for children.
Member of NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari, elaborated on key legal frameworks that govern child protection in the media, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which prohibits the disclosure of the identities of children involved in abuse cases, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which mandates the protection of children’s rights, including in media coverage.
Director of IPR, Dzuvinuo Theunuo, acknowledged the valuable insights provided by the Commission and expressed a strong commitment to collaborate in creating a child-sensitive media environment in Nagaland. She emphasized that the department of IPR will take actionable steps to ensure children’s privacy is protected and their rights are upheld across all public communication platforms.
The meeting was also attended by secretary, social welfare & member secretary, NSCPCR, Yongchingkumla, member, NSCPCR. Aying Wangsha and legal consultant, NSCPCR, Lichani Murry.