A one-day workshop on Understanding Child Rights and Child Protection: Role of Media was organised by Kohima Press Club in collaboration with Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) as part of the yearlong celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Kohima Press Club at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on 19th July 2025.
Chairman NSCPCR, Alun Hangsing, in his keynote address, gave a brief on how, under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005, the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights was constituted in October 2013. He lamented over the fact that lately, there has been a gradual rise in unabated crimes against children, which previously had been alien to our society. He said that it has become vital to question our efforts towards curbing this menace and ensuring a conducive environment for the maximum development of the mental and physical health of the children. He further delved into the role of the press and media in educating the general public and the importance of disseminating the right information, and termed the fourth estate as the watchdog of society. In conclusion, he emphasized that it was the bounden duty of all stakeholders to ensure the protection of child rights.
Director, Information & Public Relations, Dzüvinuo Theünuo, speaking at the programme stressed on impact that the press and media have upon the society and how, with proper and conscious representation of stories and events can positively impact the society while being aware of the far-reaching consequences that one story can have. She, while underscoring the importance of NSCPCR as custodians of Child Rights, said that it was the duty of all, including the general public, to be aware and raise consciousness about the rights of children. She said that the media fraternity holds a lot of power in society and acts as a vital source of information and influences public opinions as well, and hence emphasized the need for factual reporting within the ethical tenets and rules of reporting.
She acknowledged that it was challenging times for the media fraternity as a whole with the ever-increasing independent virtual media platforms that often flaunt the rules and tenets of ethical and responsible reporting, and urged the media fraternity to be aware of the power they wield and keep reminding themselves of the positive impacts they can have on the society as a whole.
Director, Information Technology & Communication, Er. Sabou Yashu also spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of being aware of the pros and cons of technology in our lives and how to utilize the rapidly developing innovations in technology to our benefit and keep our children safe from the ever accessible technology around us. He also shed light on the IT Act 2000, which aims to protect the rights of children from various forms of exploitation. He opined that the rapid progress in technology cannot be stalled, but rather we have to learn and adapt to utilize the changes to empower us and our children and be aware of the latest developments so that we remain safe and protected from the vices of modern technology.
The first session of the workshop was followed by an in-depth technical session with District & Session Judge, Phek, Mezivolu T. Therieh as the resource person. She gave a detailed presentation on the role of media in the protection of Child Rights and Child Protection and the legal aspects involved with it. She touched several important topics related to Child Rights, such as International Law & Guidelines, privacy rights and emotions of a child, Domestic Law and POCSO.
KPC President Alice Yhoshü, in her welcome address, highlighted the importance of ethical and sensitive reporting, particularly in cases involving minors, while also safeguarding journalistic freedom. The programme was chaired by Seyiekietuo Keretsu of KPC, and the vote of thanks was delivered by NSCPCR member Akumla Longchari.
(Morotsung, IA)
