by Vijaykumar Patil
BELAGAVI, Apr.13: The UNICEF Child Protection Project in collaboration with Karnataka State Information and Public Relations Department, Integrated Child Protection Society (ICPS), Department of Women and Child Development and VERBINDEN Bengaluru has organised a half-day workshop with the objective of updating the media fraternity on legislation pertaining to Child Rights and Child Protection at Belagavi on April 21.
According to a press release issued by VERBINDEN today, the workshop is being organised in view of growing cases of sexual abuse of children and violation of their rights such as discrimination against groups of children, physical & mental violence, child trafficking and child marriages in the recent years.
The media is playing a significant role in bringing such cases to the public domain and the notice of the government. UNICEF has been collaborating with the state over the last two decades to address various challenges pertaining to children and their rights, specifically child protection issues. Increasing sexual crimes against children and violation of their rights are of serious concern.
Media, as one of the key stakeholders can play a significant role in building a pro-child and child-sensitive environment. UNICEF has been working in this direction with media partners across the country and the State. In the present context of child-sensitive legislations and the changing policies and the focus of the government, the roles and responsibilities of the media are also undergoing a significant change.
While the media is contributing immensely to make this world a better place for children, there have been several instances of portrayal of sexual crimes against children, be it by print or electronic media, in such a way that resulted in revealing the identity of victims, their family or institutions involved. Such acts have caused more trauma to all concerned, especially the children.
Divulging the name of the victims, their identity, pictures, residence and location of institutions involved is in total violation of the laws. Similarly, there are a number of things that need to be considered while dealing with issues related to children.
It is In this context that the ICPS, Department of Women and Child Development and VERBINDEN Bengaluru, UNICEF CP project, Koppal in collaboration with Karnataka State Information and Public Relations Department, District Administration, and District Child Protection Unit, Belagavi have come together to organise the half-a-day workshop. Deputy Commissioner and CEO Zilla Panchayath will be the guests of honour at the workshop to be held at Hotel Adarsh Palace, college road on Friday (21st April) from 9.30 am to 2 pm.
For more details, contact: CP Project, Koppal; Raghavendra: 9845699735, Payel: 7259391014, Punnyavati: 9108982017.