Child Protection Policy and Safe Environment

Policy Statement

​​

​

Commitment

​

The Archdiocese of Imphal believes that all children deserve a happy childhood and the opportunity to lead a dignified life safe from violence, exploitation, ,neglect, deprivation and discrimination. Hence, the Archdiocese of Imphal is committed to protecting and safeguarding of every child regardless of their age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We adhere and advocate for the Rights of Children envisioned in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) including rights of survival, protection, participation, and development and we promote them through the activities of the Archdiocese. Upholding the recognition and importance given to the Rights of Children in the Constitution of India, the Archdiocese of Imphal is committed to comply with the laws of the land enacted concerning the Rights of a Child. With these commitment in mind, a Child Protection Policy for the Archdiocese of Imphal is hereby framed for application.

​

The Archdiocese of Imphal is committed to creating and maintaining an environment, which is conducive to promotion of rights of all children in all its institutions and organisations. It is committed to prevent and deal with all kinds of abuses and exploitation of children. Hence,

​

• The Archdiocese of Imphal has a Child Protection Policy booklet according to which all complaints of Child Abuse within the purview of the Archdiocese of Imphal shall be responded to. 

• The Child Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Imphal shall be applicable to:​

  • All institutions/organisations/associations/societies, etc. under the Archdiocese of Imphal

  • All educational institutions under the Catholic Education Society Manipur (CESM)

  • All persons working under the Archdiocese of Imphal

  • All the Priests (diocesan and religious)

  • All Religious Nuns

  • Staff/employees of various institutions/establishments under the Archdiocese of Imphal

  • Volunteers and Partners with the Archdiocese of Imphal

• The Archdiocese of Imphal is committed to actively prevent child [1] abuse.

• Archdiocese of Imphal shall endeavour to take positive action to prevent child abusers becoming involved in any way in its operations and take stringent measures to prevent partners employing child abusers.

 

​

Guiding Principles for the Child Protection Policy

 

The Protection Policy is guided by the existing legal frameworks of child protection in India and the ratified international conventions. The Protection Policy draws its following guiding principles from the National Policy for Children, 2013, Integrated Child Protection Scheme, 2009, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita  (BNS) 2023 and any other relevant laws in force.

​

1.  Protection: Safety and security of all children is integral to their well-being and children are to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, violence, maltreatment and   exploitation in all settings including care institutions, schools, hospitals, families and communities.[2]

2.  Best interest of the Child: Best interest of the child is the primary concern in all decisions and actions affecting children, whether taken by legislative bodies, court of law,   administrative authorities, public, private, social religious or cultural institutions to ensure their personality development.[3]

3.  Confidentiality:  Children’s right to privacy and confidentiality should be protected in cases of abuse.[4]

4.  Non-Stigmatisation and Non-Discrimination:   Each child irrespective of circumstances, as well as socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds should be treated   equally and in a dignified manner.

5.  Participation: Children’s views, especially those of girls, children from disadvantaged groups and marginalised communities, are to be heard in matters affecting them, in particular judicial and administrative proceedings and interactions, and their views should be given due consideration in accordance with their age, maturity and evolving capacities.

 

​​​

​

What to do if a Child Reveals Abuse to you?

                                                         -  Listen carefully to what they are saying.

                                                         -  Let them know they have done the right thing by telling you.

                                                         -  Tell them “It’s not your fault”.

                                                         -  Don’t confront the alleged abuser.

                                                         -  Explain to the child what you will do next.

                                                         -  Report to the relevant authorities what the child has told you, as soon as possible.

​

​

To report an incident of Child Sexual Abuse, please contact:

1. Fr. Francis Vialo, LLM (+91 9560117279)

2. Fr. Paul Ngaoni, JCD (+91 8974675404)

​

                           OR CALL CHILDLINE 1098

 

Legends

[1] A person below the age of eighteen years.

[2] National Policy for Children, Government of India, 2013.

[3] Ibid.

[4] The Integrated Child Protection Scheme, 2009, Chapter 2, Guiding Principles.