South City International School launches ‘Student Justice Cell’ in collaboration with International Justice Mission
South City International School (SCIS), and International Justice Mission (IJM), Kolkata, today organized the virtual launch of ‘Student Justice Cell (SJC)’ on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The virtual launch was attended by Shri. Murli Dhar, IPS, Joint Commissioner (Crime), Kolkata Police, Shri.V Solomon Nesakumar, IPS, DIG Midnapore Range, Mr. John Bagul, Principal, SCIS, and Mr. Ajoy Varghese, Vice-President, Regional Program, South Asia, IJM.
Student Justice Cell (SJC) is a part of the Student Leadership Program by IJM to build and encourage students to become leaders in the field of social justice, voicing concern for the poor and vulnerable communities. This is an initiative under the theme “Prevent Crime: Protect Children” for schools, on online safety and anti-human trafficking efforts at educational and academic centres.
“Human trafficking is a complex issue. Children are affected the most. We need to create a support system where victims can be rehabilitated, which requires the joint effort of the government, schools, and NGOs. Timely support by organizations like IJM has helped Kolkata Police to tackle the menace of crimes against children. Mechanisms like Justice Cell will not only help students to come up with strategies, but will also educate them in breaking societal barriers existing in the community,” said Shri. Murli Dhar, IPS, Joint Commissioner (Crime), Kolkata Police.
The SJC platform will be used for extra circular activities through an interact club, debates and forums on social justice, programs in formal assembly sessions, while observing UN social justice dates and during special projects for community service.
“Kolkata Police has created a turn-around in dismantling the availability of children in red-light areas of Kolkata. Over the years while assisting the Police, we saw an inspiring level of deterrence in criminals. The Student Justice Cell will play an important role in keeping up the momen -tum of Kolkata being the safest city in India,” said Mr. Sisir Thanikal, Head, Community Engagement, IJM, Kolkata.
South City International School is the first in Kolkata to possibly launch an endeavour like the Student Justice Cell. These young leaders will spread awareness about various social evils, crime against children, challenges in the environment, safety and security as well as to empower them on child rights and protection.
“One of the most encouraging stories in these times has been the drastic reduction of crimes against children in the infamous red-light areas of Kolkata. My deepest appreciation for Kolkata Police for doing away with a stain from the fabric of the City of Joy. We hope that the SJC will be a platform for students to learn about the various injustices affecting the peers from lesser privileged societies and crimes like online exploitation of children that do not distinguish between the rich and the poor.” said Mr. John Bagul, Principal, South City International School.
“As students, it is our responsibility to participate and become an agent of change. To get maximum impact, Student Justice Cell dream is to launch a signature campaign asking for a safer community for children,” said Ms. Mahee Singh, Class X, South City International School.
About International Justice Mission:
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.
Since 2006, IJM Kolkata has been working alongside government agencies to rescue and rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking, prosecute offended and train public justice officials.
