Being signatory to the Child Rights Convention and the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Bhutan has the responsibility to ensure that children and women are given all possible protection through legal system. In a move to achieve this, police and legal officials are attending a two-day training on children and women-friendly procedure, which began in Thimphu today.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the opening. Addressing the gathering, Her Royal Highness expressed hope that the training will bring forth insight and understanding of ‘our values, laws and that it will give the women, children and the people a better understanding of our rights, responsibilities and values as a nation’.
The Director of the Bhutan National Legal Institute, Pema Wangchuk said, such trainings will sensitise the stakeholders on the general principles of women and child friendly procedures. He added, it is also expected to ensure that children and women are not victimised.
“We are little bit confused by the discipline and the care and protection because discipline doesn’t mean that discipline will take up the rights and the freedom of the children and similarly discipline is not – one shouldn’t construe as harassment to our future leaders, particularly children,” said the Director.
He added that the care and protection should be translated in terms of how to make Bhutan’s future citizens, the younger generation in a right direction through care and protection.
The training is expected to enhance women and child development and empowerment through provision of safe and friendly procedures. It is also expected to reduce gender abuses.
