Kupwara: Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), in collaboration with UNICEF India on Saturday organized a one-day Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on ‘Child Protection and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)’ at the District Court Complex, Kupwara.
The programme aimed to enhance awareness and build the capacity of stakeholders on key issues related to child protection, with a special focus on the risks associated with explosive remnants of war—an ongoing concern in border and conflict-affected areas.
The event witnessed participation of judicial officers, panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, child welfare committee members, officials from the Social Welfare department, Education department and representatives of civil society organizations and other frontline stakeholders involved in child welfare and community safety.
Chairperson DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Kupwara, Manjeet Singh Manhas; Secretary / Sub-Judge DLSA Kupwara, Moneer Ahmad; Judicial Officers, Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and various other stakeholders were present during the workshop.
In his opening remarks, Chairperson DLSA emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the rights of children and equipping communities with the knowledge needed to mitigate risks associated with explosive ordnance. He stressed the need for sensitization at grassroots levels, especially in vulnerable areas.
Experts from the field delivered informative sessions on the legal frameworks surrounding child protection, psychological and physical impact of unexploded ordnance on children, and the role of legal aid institutions in preventing and responding to such threats.
Resource persons including Chairman Child Welfare Committee, Abdul Rashid Malik provided detailed awareness to the participants regarding integrated approach within departments and insight about the collaboration as a means for strengthening the legal service institution for children.
Besides Panel Lawyer, Majid Mushtaq, Syed Mujtaba highlighted the NALSA Child Friendly Legal Services for Children Scheme – 2024 and provisions for children requiring free legal services.
A panel discussion was also held about gathering evidence from the field, exchange of thoughts on role and future course of action from the representatives of Legal Service Unit for Children.
Meanwhile, 3000 IEC/Pamphlets providing awareness about staying away from explosives, landmines, mortar shells and remnants of drones and jets were also distributed among the participants.
Programme also included interactive discussions, case studies and experience sharing, which provided a practical dimension to the theoretical knowledge imparted.
