A day long training programme to sensitize educators on Rights of Child was organised by Chandigarh College of Education, Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) Landran in association with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi. The objective of the programme was to enhance awareness of current & budding teachers on the subject, thereby preparing them to be adept at handling and addressing their students’ grievances in a sensitive and effective manner. The event saw the participation of a hundred-plus students and members of faculty.The Chief Guest, Mr Sukesh Kalia, Chairperson, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, inaugurated the session. The audience was given an overview of the composition and functioning of the NHRC followed by an insight into the various acts and covenants associated with human rights especially in context of child rights. Keynote speakers at the training programme comprised Mr. Neil Andrew Roberts, Member, Juvenile Justice Board, SAS Nagar, Mohali and Mrs. Taranjeet Kaur Hundal, Senior Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court.The first session of the workshop was conducted by Mr. Roberts who elaborated on key provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act 2012 extensively highlighting the alarming rise in percentage of crimes against children.
He cited findings of a recent survey conducted by his department which stated that 53.22 per cent of children surveyed had faced some kind of sexual abuse. He cited many incidences from his case studies, drawing attention towards the immediate need for schools, judicial system and welfare organizations to effectively deal with and address sexual or other offences against children. Given that India has amongst the largest population of children in the world, this becomes all the more imperative, he added. The segment was followed by an activity oriented session conducted by Mrs. Hundal which sought to sensitize the audience about the various provisions made under the Act. She also enlightened them about the commission which specifically deals with cases pertaining to the violation of a Child's Rights. In addition to this she also enlightened the participants on Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and the POSCO Act. The workshop concluded with a question and answer session followed by felicitation of the invited dignitaries.