Children's protection institute established<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The government has inaugurated the Children's
\nProtection Institute to mobilize formal legal protection for
\nabused and neglected children.<\/p>\n
Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno officiated at the
\nestablishment of the organization at the national level at her
\noffice yesterday, and reminded its officials their target was
\nchildren who were mistreated, exploited, neglected and facing
\ndiscrimination.<\/p>\n
The body is also expected to focus on children in dangerous
\nsituations and those with disabilities or a substance dependence,
\nInten said.<\/p>\n
It was born out of the National Children's Protection Drive
\nlaunched by President Soeharto on July 23, 1997. This is aimed at
\npromoting efforts to protect the rights of the country's
\nchildren.<\/p>\n
\"Your duties are to review various regulations in connection
\nwith the protection of the rights of the child, and recommend
\nnecessary amendments,\" she said.<\/p>\n
The institute will also be involved in cases of violations of
\nchildren's rights, such as abuse, neglect and exploitation. It
\nwill facilitate research and dissemination of information on
\nrelevant subjects, provide consultations, and establish local and
\ninternational networks.<\/p>\n
\"Every Indonesian child is an asset of this nation. We have to
\nprotect their welfare,\" Inten said at the gathering attended by,
\namong others, representatives from the United Nations Children's
\nFund (Unicef) and the International Labour Organization.<\/p>\n
She pointed out that not only did many Indonesian children
\nhave to work, they were often exposed to numerous dangers
\nincluding hazardous chemicals.<\/p>\n
Citing data compiled in 1996 by the Indonesian's Children
\nWelfare Foundation, she said 39 cases of children's rights being
\nviolated were reported every month. Most of the children were
\nfemale and under 13 years old, especially in the 289 cases of
\nsexual abuse.<\/p>\n
The institute's advisory board is made up of the coordinating
\nminister for people's welfare, the ministers of social services,
\nhome affairs, education and culture, health, manpower, and
\nreligious affairs and the state minister of population
\naffairs\/chairman of the National Family Planning Board.<\/p>\n
The members of the institute include first and second echelon
\nofficials of relevant government agencies, and representatives of
\npublic and social organizations. The director general of social
\nwelfare development will be assigned to coordinate the
\ndevelopment of the institute. (swe)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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