IT News
Imphal, May 14:
Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has expressed alarm over reports of certain organizations and individuals attempting to lure parents and guardians of internally displaced children with promises of free education and accommodation outside the state.
In a press release, MCPCR has cautioned that these efforts may involve illegal transportation of children without proper verification and legal procedures.
MCPCR has raised concerns regarding potential violations of the rights of displaced children. MCPCR highlighted the impact of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, particularly on children from the Meitei and Kuki communities, who have been subjected to unprecedented levels of violence over the past year. This crisis not only deprives children of their childhood but also infringes upon their fundamental rights.
Such actions, which often result in placing children in unregistered homes and institutions instead of providing them with formal education as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, could potentially constitute child trafficking, the statement emphasized. It further noted that such practices violate the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act and Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as contravene directives issued by the Honorable Supreme Court on September 1, 2010.
In response to these concerns, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), New Delhi, has strongly recommended measures to prevent the illegal transportation of children. Testimonies from rescued children have revealed instances of sexual, physical, and mental harassment, as well as inadequate provision of food and care in some cases.
Therefore, MCPCR urges parents, guardians, civil society organizations (CSOs), and all concerned citizens to refrain from soliciting or facilitating the illegal transportation of children from relief camps and communities.