Child rights panel in Kerala to host conclave on child protection laws

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights will host a three-day conclave on child protection laws in the State capital from February 3 to 5.

The conclave seeks to strengthen the legal and social framework required to ensure a child-centric environment in the State.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the conclave at Co-Bank auditorium on February 3. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty will be the chief guest. Minister for Women and Child Development Veena George will preside. Commission chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar will be present.

The event aims at evaluating the implementation and challenges of key legislations, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act; and the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Discussions will also delve into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), inclusive education and the evolving Kerala Education Policy.

Nearly 350 stakeholders, including educationists, legal experts, local self-government representatives, and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are expected to participate.

The deliberations will focus on contemporary issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching methodologies and mental health challenges faced by children in the digital era. Sessions on civic awareness, constitutional literacy, and the eradication of child labour and child marriage are also slated.

The sessions on the first day will focus on communication and trust between teachers and parents and legal interventions for children in care of need and protection and those in conflict with law.

The second day will specifically address child-friendly education, inclusive education, pre-school education and the role of arts and sports in holistic development.

Discussions on policy recommendations drafted during the event will be held on the third day of the conclave. Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer will inaugurate the valedictory at 3.30 p.m.