The Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) participated in the two-day Northeast Regional Convention of the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) held at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, on July 31 and August 1, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening child protection through regional cooperation.

The Nagaland delegation was led by NSCPCR Chairman Alun Hangsing, accompanied by Members Akumla Longchari and Aying Wangsha, along with Consultant Lichani Murry.

Hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights under the theme, “Strengthening Child Rights Protection in Northeast India through Regional Cooperation and Collaborative Action,” the convention brought together chairpersons, members and officials of SCPCRs from across the Northeast.

The delegates deliberated on a wide range of child rights issues, including implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, juvenile justice, education, child trafficking, cyber safety, missing children, and measures to strengthen institutional mechanisms for child protection. The participants also exchanged best practices and explored strategies to enhance inter-state coordination in safeguarding children’s rights.

The inaugural session was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who underscored the need for stronger regional collaboration to address cross-border child protection challenges. He also proposed that the Northeast Regional Convention be held annually on a rotational basis among the Northeastern states.

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On the second day, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo said the recommendations emerging from the convention would help shape child rights policies and institutional mechanisms for the coming decades. He commended the participating State Commissions for their commitment to strengthening child protection systems through collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the region.

The convention concluded with the adoption of the Tawang Declaration on Child Rights, reaffirming the collective resolve of the Northeastern states to strengthen child protection systems through coordinated action, exchange of best practices and sustained inter-state cooperation to ensure every child in the region grows up safe, protected, heard and empowered.

The declaration, containing key recommendations and resolutions adopted during the convention, will be submitted to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, for consideration and policy action.