Care and protection of children during a time of disaster must be given priority at all levels, opined the participants attending a consultation workshop “Child Protection in Disasters” here. It was organized by Odisha Alliance on Convention on Rights of the Child (OACRC), an alliance of child rights networks and groups in collaboration with CRY-CCRP, ClAP, BGVS, OVHA and PECUC.
Addressing the consultation workshop, Information and Public Relation Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo said in emergencies, children and other vulnerable groups should be given priority at the time of evacuation, rescue operation, relief, restoration and rehabilitation, which needs a change in mindset. For this, massive awareness is required, he suggested.
Saila Behera of Vasundhara presided over the inaugural session. OACRC convener Ranjan Mohanty, while giving welcome address, told that there is a need to trigger a process of collaborative efforts amongst various stakeholders for reduction of risk and children’s vulnerability to disasters.
Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF laxminarayan Nanda told that child protection mechanism must be strengthened in emergency areas.
UNDP State head Dr Ambika Prasad Nanda told that disaster risk reduction is the right of every child and a disaster resilient community can prevent violence against children in disasters.
Commissioner, For Person’s With Disability, Kasturi Mohapatra stressed on the need for psychosocial support to the children and their care givers along with special provisions for children with disability.
Abhaya Nayak of OSDMA and Bikramaditya Barik, Under Secretary, State Relief Commission’s office focused on State relief code and various Government provisions.
CYSD chairman PK Sahoo stressed on the need of special provision for children and women in the shelter homes. The technical session was chaired by Dr Bikash Das of ClAP. Among others, Sneha Mishra from Odisha Phailin Response Forum and Sangita Puhan from Plan India spoke. Child representatives Ganesh Pradhan, Debaki Pradhan, Pabitra Sahoo and Manoj Andia from Ganjam, Kendrapara and Baleswar shared their experiences during Phailin.
RUSH director Debasish Rath, Sarbeswar Mohapatra from NIRMATA and Jyoti Shanker Mohanty from PECUC presented various practices and interventions for children in disaster. OVHA secretary Khyamakar Swain proposed vote of thanks.