Srinagar, June 21: Academics and experts discussed key challenges and concerns related to child protection in disasters at a three-day training programme which concluded at the University of Kashmir on Wednesday, June 21.
The training of trainers programme, held in online mode, was organised jointly by the University’s Department of Social Work (DoSW) and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to widen the understanding and knowledge about child protection and child rights in the context of disasters and emergencies.
Experts from KU, NIDM and Child Rights and You (CRY), a non-governmental organisation working for children’s rights, focused on critical areas related to the theme, including education, awareness, health and nutrition, among others.
The first day featured special addresses by Dr Kumar Raka, Programme Officer, CCDRR, NIDM, Prof Santosh Kumar, Project Director, CCDRR, NIDM and Shri Rajendra Ratnoo, IAS, Executive Director, NIDM. Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, KU, delivered the inaugural address, while Dr Nisar A Mir, Registrar, KU, gave the special remarks.
In her inaugural address, Prof Nilofer emphasised the importance of collaborations with institutions of repute like NIDM, CRY etc in the domain of child protection and child rights, especially in the regional context. She appreciated the efforts of the DoSW in broadening its engagement with key stakeholders. The day concluded with closing remarks by Dr Shazia Manzoor, Head, DoSW, even as the sessions focused on the right to protection and education, covering topics like basic concepts of disaster management and the impact of disasters on children’s rights.
On the second day, the training programme explored the right to health and nutrition, and included a talk on nutritional rights of children in disasters, delivered by Dr Aadil Bashir, senior faculty DoSW. A presentation on core commitments towards children during disasters and emergencies was presented by a CRY representative, Ms Dolphi.
The final day highlighted the right to participation, wherein Shri Shaheen Ansari from Child Rights & You (CRY) discussed the connection between the right to education and disasters. Shri Ranjan Kumar conducted a session on child protection during disasters. The training program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Sarafraz Ahmad.
The training sessions aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies to ensure the well-being and safety of children in challenging situations. The expertise and experiences of resource persons from NIDM greatly enriched the learning experience for all participants.
