Lockdown and Covid-19 pandemic have shaken up the entire community in India with a deep impact on children and child rights. The pandemic has hit the lives of children and the plight of the children cannot be neglected. An increase in number of child marriage, child beggary, child trafficking, child malnutrition, need a prompt response.
To address these issues, Rural Management Programme of Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) organized a Webinar on “COVID-19 AND CHILD PROTECTION: A TIME OF CRISIS” on Thursday, moderated by S.K.Verma, RM Programme, XISS where he started off by giving a brief introduction about the Impact of Covid-19 on the vulnerable society especially children and the problems faced by children during the entire crisis.
Fr. Pradeep Kerketta, Assistant Director, XISS Ranchi, gave the welcome address and highlighted the ideas of Child Right Protection. He talked about the plight of children who had to migrate along with their family and the increase in the number of crimes and urged them to deal with the problems of the children with utmost attention as the children are the future of our country. He talked about the contribution of XISS Ranchi as the Nodal Agency.
The first Speaker, Amod K Kanth (IPS), General Secretary, Prayas JAC Society Chairman, Domestic Workers Sector Skill Council shared his experience of how his team has dealt with the various natural disasters and rights of the children which are violated during the natural disasters like flood, tsunami, earthquake etc, across the country.
He talked about the problems which children faced during lockdown and child protection mechanism during Covid-19 pandemic. He also talked about the UNCRC Rights, role of various voluntary organizations, JJA and the number of children who are in need of protection.
Harleen Walia, Deputy Director, CHILDLINE India Foundation (CIF), came forward as the second speaker and shared her insights on the various actions taken by Childline Foundation.
She talked about the expansion of the Childline Foundation to 594 districts and the various challenges they have to go through to work to deal with disasters. She talked about the number of panic calls (1098) and the urgency of the team to report to the ground for work. She shared her challenging experience of the team which worked day and night to deal with the needs of the children through various communication channels. She ended by quoting “We believe to connect, catalyse, collaborate and communicate for better work”.
Sonal Kapoor, Founder Director, Protsahan India Foundation, Child Protection (NLSIU & Harvard) provided a remarkable view on Child Protection during Covid-19 emergency. She shared her views about the nature of crisis, child protection services and reporting mechanisms. She also shared various real life experiences which she has come across during her relief work and briefly explained the plight of the children across the country.
The session with approximately 147 participants from different backgrounds, ended up with a curious question and answer session. The session ended with a warm vote of thanks to the panelist thanking them for their time and valuable views. The session was organized by PRAKRITI- The students’ club of Rural Management Programme, XISS, Ranchi.