Fri Sep 12 22:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A discussion organized by HOPE Foundation in Chennai focused on strengthening child protection mechanisms in India. Experts from various organizations, including the Child Welfare Committee, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and NGOs, emphasized the need for proactive awareness campaigns on child rights, especially regarding good and bad touch. Other key points included rehabilitation and social reintegration for abused children, identification of child abuse cases, improvements in child-friendly police stations, and the role of Mission Vatsalya in childcare. The discussion also addressed international mechanisms in child protection and practical intervention skills for NGOs.

**News Article:**

**Child Protection in India Focus of Chennai Discussion**

**Chennai, India – September 13, 2025** – A critical discussion on strengthening child protection mechanisms in India took place Friday in Chennai, organized by the HOPE Foundation. The event brought together experts from government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to address pressing issues related to child rights and welfare.

Sheela Jayanthi, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with schools to educate children about their rights and recognize violations. “We should become proactive when it comes to raising awareness on child rights. Furthermore, for a child who has been sexually abused, rehabilitation and social reintegration are the primary goals,” she stated.

P. Joseph Victor Raj, Director of HOPE Foundation, pointed out the ongoing challenge of child labor, despite a global deadline for its abolition this year. Navarathinam, Inspector of the Crime Against Women and Children Unit, stressed the necessity of comprehensive education on “good and bad touch” in schools.

V. Ushanandini, a member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), highlighted the complexities of coordinating with parents of abused children, urging educators to develop nuanced approaches. David Sundar Singh, an advocate at SCPCR, acknowledged improvements in child-friendly police stations but called for further enhancements.

The discussion also featured an overview of Mission Vatsalya, presented by Programme Manager Poovizhi Manikandan, and explored international child protection mechanisms, chaired by Virgil D. Sami of the Campaign Against Child Labour. Other speakers, including representatives from UNESCO and international aid organizations, contributed to the multi-faceted conversation.

The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to protect children’s rights and ensure their well-being across India.

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