State Human Rights Commission Acting Chairperson P. Mohana Das has called for the setting up of special courts in all districts to handle cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Speaking after inaugurating a media seminar jointly organised by the Ernakulam Press Club and the Information and Public Relations Department here on Thursday, Mr. Mohana Das said that a system was needed to ensure speedy justice in POCSO cases. Awareness should be created in society about the POCSO Act. In cases registered under the POCSO Act, it is the responsibility of the accused to prove their innocence.
Mr. Mohana Das said that police stations should be child-friendly. Children should be questioned in the presence of their parents. In cases where the victims were sexually abused, the media should not reveal details leading to his or her identification. He urged the media to resist the temptation to sensationalise news in such cases and focus on creating awareness about the POCSO Act. T.V. Subhash, Director, Information and Public Relations Department, in his presidential address, said that media personnel should be aware of history, besides having basic knowledge of human rights. He reminded that the POCSO Act was formulated to safeguard children against sexual abuse and child pornography among other things. Interestingly, the Act has the rarity of proposing to create awareness about it in Section 43.
Media critic Sebastian Paul said that the media should be aware of the consequences of reporting on issues affecting society like POCSO cases. While there is a view favouring fearless reporting, in cases where children are victims, reporting should take into consideration the consequences as well, he added.
District Child Protection Officer K.B. Zaina spoke on child right protection activities in the district.
