Northeast Child Rights Commissions Convene in Tawang to Address Key Issues

Itanagar, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 29 Jul: State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) from all the Northeastern states will gather for a convention in Tawang to discuss pressing regional child rights issues.

The convention will be held on 31 July and 1 August, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to the welfare and protection of children in the region. The Northeastern states of India, which include , Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, face unique challenges concerning child rights due to their geographical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts.

During the two-day meet, child rights experts and activists will deliberate on key child rights issues, such as trafficking, school safety, prevention of bullying and ragging, inclusive education, mental health and psychosocial support, cyber safety, and online protection. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), the organizer of the event, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle these multifaceted issues affecting children.

Child trafficking, in particular, has been a significant concern in the Northeast, with reports indicating that children are often vulnerable to exploitation due to poverty, lack of education, and inadequate law enforcement. The convention will address these pressing issues, aiming to develop actionable strategies to combat trafficking and ensure the safety of children in educational institutions.

School safety has also emerged as a critical area of focus, especially in light of increasing incidents of bullying and ragging that can have detrimental effects on children's mental health and well-being. The discussions will explore effective measures to create safe and supportive learning environments that foster inclusivity and respect for all students.

Another vital topic on the agenda is the promotion of mental health and psychosocial support for children. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among young people, highlighting the need for accessible mental health services and support systems within schools and communities.

Cyber safety and online protection are increasingly relevant in today's digital age, where children are exposed to various online threats, including cyberbullying and exploitation. The convention will seek to address these challenges by promoting awareness and developing guidelines to ensure children's safety in the digital space.

In addition to these pressing issues, the convention will focus on the importance of regional cooperation, along with the exchange of best practices and collaborative efforts to safeguard children’s rights and welfare in the region. The Northeastern states have unique cultural and social dynamics that can inform effective child protection strategies. By sharing experiences and successful initiatives, the participating commissions can learn from one another and strengthen their efforts.

The discussions will further emphasize the effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. These legislative frameworks are crucial for protecting children from abuse and ensuring their rights are upheld. However, challenges remain in their implementation, and the convention will explore ways to enhance enforcement and awareness of these laws among stakeholders.

During the conference, the participating state commissions will present their major achievements, innovative initiatives, best practices, and challenges, providing a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration. This sharing of knowledge is essential for identifying gaps in current practices and developing more effective child protection mechanisms.

The convention souvenir, showcasing the achievements, innovations, and best practices of the SCPCRs of the Northeast, will also be released. This publication will serve not only as a record of the convention's proceedings but also as a resource for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of child rights.

Moreover, the convention is expected to adopt a declaration called the ‘Tawang Declaration on Child Rights,’ reaffirming the collective commitment of the Northeastern states to strengthen child protection systems, promote child-friendly governance, enhance interstate collaboration, and ensure that the best interests of every child remain at the center of policy and decision-making.

The adoption of a comprehensive set of recommendations on key child rights issues is also anticipated. These recommendations will be crucial for guiding future actions and policies aimed at improving the situation of children in the region.

The to-be-adopted declaration and recommendations will be forwarded to the Government of India, the governments of all Northeastern states, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and other ministries, departments, and stakeholders concerned for consideration, policy support, and necessary action. This step is vital for ensuring that the discussions and outcomes of the convention translate into real-world changes for children.

APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya expressed hope that the convention would build a stronger regional partnership to safeguard the rights and welfare of children across the region. Anya emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, stating, "The convention is expected to lay a strong foundation for sustained regional cooperation and institutional collaboration among the Northeastern State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights."

Furthermore, Anya highlighted the significance of the Tawang Declaration on Child Rights and the convention recommendations, asserting that they will reaffirm the collective resolve of the participating commissions to work together to ensure that every child in the Northeast grows up in a safe, secure, inclusive, and enabling environment, where their rights are protected, respected, and promoted.

Chairpersons and other officials of the SCPCRs, representatives from the NHRC, senior government officials, members of the judiciary, police, Juvenile Justice Boards, child rights experts, academicians, and civil society organizations are expected to attend the convention. Their diverse perspectives and expertise will enrich the discussions and contribute to the development of effective strategies for child protection.

Notably, Chief Minister Pema Khandu will attend the inaugural session, along with Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, and MLAs Mutchu Mithi and Namgey Tsering, underscoring the government's commitment to child rights. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo will attend the closing function, further emphasizing the importance of this convention in shaping the future of child protection in the Northeast.