The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged the public and media institutions to refrain from sharing photographs, video footage, or personal information of children affected by the ongoing disaster situation.
The ministry warned that the dissemination of such material could compromise the identity and privacy of affected children, and may result in images and personal details falling into the hands of traffickers and other criminal elements who misuse them. It stressed that legal action will be taken against individuals who use such information to engage in child exploitation, trafficking, or related offences.
The public are also requested to report any information regarding disaster-affected children, post-disaster trafficking incidents, or individuals involved in such activities to the 1929 Child Helpline Service, or to the Child Rights Promotion Officer or Child Protection Officer attached to the nearest Divisional Secretariat.
Emphasising the need for compassion and responsibility, the ministry called on the public to prioritise the safety, dignity, and well-being of disaster-affected children at all times.