Northeast States Unite in Tawang to Protect Child Rights

Child rights organizations from all eight Northeastern states gathered in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from July 31 to August 1, 2026, to create a unified strategy for protecting children. The convention focused on tackling serious issues including human trafficking, online cyber exploitation, substance abuse, and child marriage. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that child welfare is a key measure of effective governance during the inaugural session of the North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (NE SCPCR) Convention 2026.

Adoption of the Tawang Declaration

This event was the first time that child rights bodies from across the Northeast met on a single platform. Hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the convention concluded with the adoption of the Tawang Declaration on Child Rights. This declaration officially asks the Central and State Governments, along with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, to establish a formal regional mechanism to better safeguard children across the entire region, as reported by UNI India.

State Initiatives for Child Welfare

Chief Minister Khandu highlighted several ongoing welfare projects in Arunachal Pradesh during the event. These include the Dulari Kanya Scheme, which has supported over 15,500 girls with investments for higher education, and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. Furthermore, the state has provided assistance to over 25,000 beneficiaries through the Girls Health & Hygiene Scheme and supported 2,500 vulnerable children under Mission Vatsalya. According to official reports, the state has also reached over 38,000 women through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo also attended, emphasizing the importance of mother tongue-based education for children.