Child welfare NGOs come together

The Hindu

- Need to help the Government address child issues

- ‘Public campaign for child rights could affect political manifestos’

The Child Rights Observatory Madhya Pradesh (CROMP), a society promoted by UNICEF to create public awareness and build up a campaign for child rights, received support from a large number of NGOs at a meeting held here over the weekend to build linkages and explore the possibilities of cooperation.

CROMP, the only organisation of its kind in Asia, is headed by former State Chief Secretary Nirmala Buch. Prominent persons from the field of education, social work and media are among the founder members.

The CROMP deliberations were attended by many voluntary and social organisations including UNICEF, National Law Institute University, Samarthan, NIWCYD, Arambh, Muskan, SOS, Children’s Village, CARD, Parvarish, Umeed, Deerghayu, Asha Niketan, Sangini, United Reformers Organisation, DFID and Digdarshika.

Speaking on the occasion, UNICEF State Representative Hamid El Bashir said CROMP should act as a catalyst in bringing together all NGOs working for the cause of children. He stressed the need to work and help the Government address issues like sex selection, street children, school enrolment of children living in slums, disability, child labour, children’s health, aggression and violence among adolescents.

Word of caution

Dr. Bashir had a word of caution against NGOs lacking a track record in terms of performance and said there should be a system for accreditation of NGOs. He said a public campaign for child rights could even compel political parties to include the issue in their election manifestos.

Ms. Buch announced that CROMP would be producing a citizens’ report on the status of children in Madhya Pradesh. This would be endorsed by NGOs. She said the voice of the Child Rights Observatory would be the collective voice of the NGOs.