Share Origin Of Posts On Adoption Of COVID Orphans : NCPCR Asks Social Media Sites

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and Telegram asking information about the origin of posts advertising children orphaned in COVID-19 pandemic for adoption.

This follows the order passed by the Supreme Court last week directing action against advertisements on adoption of children who lost their parents in the pandemic. Categorically saying that all adoptions have to take place through CARA following the procedure under the Juvenile Justice Act, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to crack the whip of NGOs and individuals who resort to illegal adoption. The top court passed the direction after taking note of the public advertisements and social media posts on adoption.

In this backdrop, the NCPCR asked social media sites to share origin of posts advertising direct adoption of Covid orphans, saying that any such adoption, which happens without following procedures of the Juvenile Justice Act, are illegal and in violation of the law.

The NCPCR asked social media platforms that in cases where such posts are made, information of the same must be reported to law enforcement authorities and/or to the NCPCR or commissions in states or Union Territories. Social media platforms must provide details of internet protocol (IP) address, origin of the post and other such relevant details, so that the NCPCR can recommend for necessary action in the matter, the apex child rights body said in its letter.

"In case of inaction or non-reporting of the same from your (social media platforms) end, to the commission or to law enforcement authorities, the commission will be compelled to take strict action against your good offices," the NCPCR said. "This matter is of a serious nature connected with the safety and security and protection of rights of children in the country and must be treated with utmost commitment and priority by your good offices," it said.

Over 30,000 children lost at least one parent