The Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA), under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, organized an awareness program on the theme “A Program on Child-Friendly Legal Services” on July 29 at the Observation Home in Mokokchung Town.
In her presentation, Dr Amongla, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Mokokchung, discussed the importance of ensuring children’s rights and valuing their dignity. She emphasized the need to understand child rights as human rights and highlighted the distinction between the needs and rights of children.
Julian Sitlhou, Secretary of the MDLSA, delivered a special address on the theme. She outlined the schemes of the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) and their impact on children’s rights, citing relevant articles such as Article 14, Article 21, Article 21(A), and Article 51 Part A(K) that address children’s needs. She also highlighted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and stressed the importance of organizing awareness programs for villages and ward councils to sensitize them on child rights and corrective measures. Her address included strategies for handling children who are offenders, i.e., children in conflict with the law.
Purnungsang Jamir, a member of the Juvenile Justice Board, addressed juvenile justice rights based on the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. He discussed issues such as child labor, children in conflict with the law, corporal punishment, and offenses against children with disabilities (CwD).
Tajungla Lkr, a panel lawyer, presented the schemes of NLSA, highlighting ten points where individuals in specific situations can benefit from these service schemes.
The awareness program concluded with a productive discussion hour, where participants engaged in dialogues about various situations related to children.
The program was attended by representatives from the Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), Juvenile Justice Board, Observation Home, Child Welfare Committee, and Child Helpline Mokokchung.
