Bhubaneswar: 19th November is being observed as the “World day for prevention of child abuse” all over the world. Theme for this year:- “ Prevention of Violence against Children and Youth”.
Child abuse is a major cause of concern , which creates barrier for free growth of children. Adding to different form of exploitation, exclusion issues have played major role in damaging the child hood of millions of children. Violence against children takes many forms i.e Child labour, child trafficking, Corporal punishment, sale of children, sexual abuse, child prostitution, neglect, child sex tourism, malnutrition, bullying, child pornography, harmful traditional practices, abduction, early and forced marriage etc.
Atleast 3 of every 4 of the world’s children have experienced violence .Child labour is one of the worst forms of violence against children. The ILO’s Statistical Information and Monitoring Program on Child Labor recently estimated that 211 million children, or 18 % of children aged 5-14, are economically active worldwide. 60% of these working children live in Asia, and 23% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Most economically active children are employed in agriculture.
Child labor not only negatively affects a child’s health, but it also negatively impacts his/her ability to receive schooling and perform academically. When children are forced by their families to work, they no longer have the time to attend school. Though there are a significant number of children who go to school and work, the work may negatively impact their studies, told by many eminent dignitaries while addressing a programme held here today to mark the occasion.
To mark the occasion a “ Walk against child labour” , Fro Ram Mandir to Lower PMG and Signature campaign and Human chain at Master Canteen Square were organized by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) a leading child right organization in collaboration with the Labour Directorate, Govt. Of Odisha. Inaugurating the walk and signature campaign Mr. Susanta Singh ,Minister of State ,Labour and Employees, State Insurance said that Child labour is the worst form of violence on children . We all need to work together to eradicate child labour and mainstream them through education .The Govt of Odisha is taking up various steps for development of children .However we all need to work together .Massive awareness required to eliminate child labour he emphasized. Mr. Ananata Narayan Jena , Mayor , Bhubaneswar Muncipal Corporation and Sj. Ashwini Das, Former Labour Commissioner emphasized on coordination and Convergence between different departments and key stake holders,.
While speaking on the occasion Eminent Journalist Mr. Pradosh Pattnaik , Ms, Sulata Deo , Former Chairperson Social welfare Board , Film Producer and Director , Santosh Panda, Mr. Debasis Sit , Corporator , Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty Secretary , PECUC , Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty , Executive Director , PECUC stressed that it is our responsibility to aware people about not to engage children as child labour which destroy their childhood . It is the responsibility of the elders to give them safe child hood. Mr. B.B . Acharya from State Labour Institute gave vote of thanks., A large number of youth from NSS, Utkal University , Ekamra college , NIIS College , BJB college and member of women groups and youth volunteers participated in the programme.
Ms. Jyotirmayee Mohapatra and Mr. Jyotisankar Mohanty, Mr. Pulak Mishra facilitated the programme.
This year the 19th November is connected with the SDG target 16.2 (End abuse, Exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of Children) and also with the Universal Children’s day on 20th November to speed up local, National and international event for better prevention and protection measures and elimination of violence and abuse against Children and Youth around the world by 2030.
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