State-Level Consultation on Safeguarding the Girl Child Held in Guwahati

Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Focuses on Girl Child Protection

Guwahati, August 30: The Juvenile Justice Committee of the Gauhati High Court, in collaboration with the Assam Child Protection Society and UNICEF, hosted a significant consultation aimed at enhancing the safety and support for girl children.

This event took place at the Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC) in Guwahati on Saturday and was inaugurated by Justice Kalyan Rai Surana of the Gauhati High Court, who chairs the Juvenile Justice Committee.

The consultation provided a platform for adolescents and young adults to share their personal experiences regarding child marriage, violence, and their resilience in overcoming these challenges.

Delegates from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland discussed the advancements made in child protection as well as the ongoing challenges faced in this area.

Panel discussions focused on the importance of inter-departmental cooperation, the judiciary's role, law enforcement, and the realities encountered by frontline workers.

Experts highlighted the need to enhance data systems, victim support services, helplines, survivor care, and the protection of children in digital environments.

This consultation is part of the lead-up to the 11th Annual National Child Protection Stakeholders' Consultation, which is set to occur in October under the Supreme Court of India's guidance.

The theme for 2025, “Safeguarding the Girl Child,” emphasizes the critical need to address issues such as violence against girls, child marriage, trafficking, and online exploitation, which jeopardize the health, education, and overall well-being of children nationwide.

The event concluded with a unified pledge that protecting the girl child is not only a legal duty but also a collective moral obligation, necessitating collaborative efforts from the judiciary, government, civil society, and local communities.

Notable attendees included Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, DGP Harmeet Singh, and senior officials from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.