KISHTWAR: An awareness programme on Juvenile Justice Act and drawbacks of Child marriage was today organised by District Child Protection Unit, Mission Vatsalya Kishtwar here in Madrasa Madina tul Uloom.
The event was held on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav and District Child Protection Officer, Mission Vatsalya, Zubair Ahmed,
On the occasion, Basharat Nazir, Legal cum Probationary Officer, DCPU, said that spreading awareness regarding the consequences of Child Marriage among the masses was imperative.
She added that Child marriage violates rights of children and places them at high risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. “Child marriage affects both girls and boys, but it affects girls disproportionately,” she said.
Touseef Iqbal Butt, (Protection Officer NIC), DCPU, emphasized that the Priests in any religion performing child marriages also need to be cautioned as performing of child marriage is a criminal act under the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Act.
He said that Child marriage ends childhood. It negatively influences children’s rights to education, health and protection. These consequences impact not just the girl directly, but also her family and community.
Social Workers, DCPU Mission Vatsalya Kishtwar, Meenakshi Sharma and Saima Kousar also spoke on the occasion.