The first of its kind ‘Child-Friendly City’ initiative was launched today by the Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS).
It aims to ensure that children are safe from exploitation and protected from violence and abuse and ensure their voices are heard and violations of child rights are addressed.
The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo, launched the programme as the chief guest.
“A child-friendly city is one that not only protects students from crime, abuse, and exploitation but also a city that ensures the children move about freely, that their health is ensured, that the footpaths they walk in are properly constructed, that the surrounding of their environment is safe, clean and conducive. A child-friendly city also involves a friendly home, school, public spaces, and public transport,” Laloo said.
She added that everyone has a role to play and that all persons and departments should necessarily be stakeholders for children rights and welfare and it should not be the lookout of only the District Child Protection Officer.
Speaking on the ill effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on children, Laloo said, “There are some families where parents may not have the time or the means to help the children to attend their online classes. Some may not even have the education or the wherewithal to provide counselling to their children in such a pandemic.”
