'Protect Kids Orphaned by Covid And Other Vulnerable Groups': MHA Tells States, UTs
The impact of the second wave of COVID-19 and the related fatalities has put a heavy toll on families, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written a letter to all states and Union Territories (UTs) directing them on steps for the protection of "vulnerable sections" especially children who lost parents due to COVID-19.
The letter informed states/UTs on the advisory by MHA on standard operating procedures for preventing and combating crimes against vulnerable sections of the society, including women, children, senior citizens and Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes, and as well as for putting in place institutional mechanisms for preventing and countering human trafficking.
On orphaned children
¡°In the current Covid-19 pandemic where children may have been orphaned due to the sad demise of their parents due to Covid-19, States/Union Territories are requested to put in place suitable mechanisms, including engaging at panchayat/ local body level and undertaking IEC activities involving community for ensuring greater awareness on the anti-trafficking support available in the State/Union Territories," the advisory said.
Concerns have been raised by child-protection bodies about the fate of children who have seen both their parents die because of Covid-19. High Courts, including Delhi¡¯s, have sought compliance reports from the government while NGOs have raised concerns about social media posts calling for the adoption of such orphans. Experts fear many of these adoptions could be a cover for abuse or trafficking.
On women's safety
Taking note of these concerns, the MHA¡¯s women safety division has called on states and UTs to take steps for ¡°protection of vulnerable sections of society such as women, children, senior citizens and scheduled caste/ scheduled tribe, etc-reg", and refers to previous standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the ministry last year.
The advisory says the government has taken cognisance of the impact Covid-19 and requested states/union territories ¡°to put in place adequate mechanisms for ensuring dedicated support and assistance in a timely manner to such persons".
Measures suggested by MHA
In terms of measures suggested, the MHA has called for the strengthening of the women¡¯s help desk at various police stations. ¡°The Desk envisages to have enlisted panel of experts like lawyers, psychologists, NGOs who can assist in accessing support, provide shelter, rehabilitation etc. and help in registration and follow-up in the cases giving required assurance and support to the women approaching them," the advisory says.
States have been advised to utilise the Rs 107.5 crore that has been released for this purpose. A reference has been made to similar allocations of Rs 100 crore for Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in every district.In terms of measures suggested, the MHA has called for the strengthening of the women¡¯s help desk at various police stations.
States advised to utilise funds
¡°The Desk envisages to have enlisted panel of experts like lawyers, psychologists, NGOs who can assist in accessing support, provide shelter, rehabilitation etc. and help in registration and follow-up in the cases giving required assurance and support to the women approaching them," the advisory says. States have been advised to utilise the Rs 107.5 crore that has been released for this purpose. A reference has been made to similar allocations of Rs 100 crore for Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in every district.?
