JAMMU: The District Legal Services Authority Jammu (DLSA), under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) and in collaboration with UNICEF today organized a One Day Capacity Building Programme on "Child Protection and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)" at RMG International School, Jandial Akhnoor, Jammu in furtherance to the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024.

The programme was inaugurated by Y. P. Bourney, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman District Legal Services Authority Jammu. The Training programme was organized under the overall supervision of Dr. Smriti Sharma, Secretary District Legal Services Authority Jammu.

The event began with a welcome address by Ms. Arushi Shukla, Munsiff/Chairman Tehsil Legal Services Committee Akhnoor who underscored the need for a united and informed approach to child welfare and safety. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child lives in a safe, nurturing, and just environment," said the Chairman, TLSC Akhnoor. "Through this capacity building programme, we aim to strengthen the capabilities of frontline workers and stakeholders to identify risks, respond to child protection issues effectively and educate communities-particularly children-about the dangers of unexploded ordnance."

In the inaugural address, Pr. and District Judge, Jammu Y. P. Bourney emphasized the importance of strengthening child protection mechanisms and raising awareness about the risks posed by explosive ordnance, especially in sensitive and vulnerable regions. He also highlighted the need for all stakeholders to adopt a child-centric approach in delivering legal & social services and thanked UNICEF, J&K Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority Jammu for organizing this One Day Training Programme for all the stakeholders who are working in the field of child protection.

The programme brought together a diverse group of participants, including officials from Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Panel Lawyer of DLSA Jammu, members of Child Welfare Committee, members of One Stop Centre, Member of Juvenile Justice Board, District Coordinator from the Chief Education Office Jammu, Members of Special Juvenile Police Unit Officers and Para Legal Volunteers of District Legal Services Authority Jammu and Akhnoor. It aimed to enhance their understanding and capacities on child rights, protection frameworks, and the critical subject of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education.

The sessions were conducted by Three Expert Resource Persons:

Mr. Syed Mujtaba, Coordinator from UNICEF, who shared global best practices and community-based strategies to address Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) in affected regions.

Adv. Ms. Deepali Arora, Panel Lawyer of DLSA Jammu, who discussed the legal safeguards available for children and the importance of child-friendly procedures in the justice system.

Ms. Vidhi Dubey, Chairperson of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), who spoke on the operational aspects of child protection systems and the role of institutional support in ensuring safety and rehabilitation of children at risk.

Ms. Pooja Jamwal, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel Jammu conducted the whole proceedings of the programme.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Smriti Sharma, Secretary of District Legal Services Authority Jammu extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to all dignitaries, guests and participants. In her address, she expressed deep gratitude to the Pr. District & Sessions Judge and Chairman of DLSA Jammu for his guidance and presence, which significantly enriched the program.

Later, the interactive programme between the participants and the Resource Persons received an overwhelming response and concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to continue collaborative efforts in securing the rights, safety and well-being of every child in the district