Wealthy people urged to help neglected kids<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has
\nurged wealthier Indonesians to help poor and neglected children.<\/p>\n
Baharuddin Lopa, secretary general of the Commission, together
\nwith members Asmara Nababan and Bambang Soeharto, met yesterday
\nwith 20 street children from Java and Sumatra. They were
\naccompanied by 10 members of the Jakarta Social Institute, who
\ncoordinated the meeting.<\/p>\n
\"It is not only an economic problem but also a social one,\"
\nBaharuddin said. The problem must be solved effectively, he said.<\/p>\n
According to Baharuddin, the problem of street children is
\ncaused by a lack of job opportunities and an increasing
\npopulation.<\/p>\n
Twenty children testified before the Commission to the
\ncruelties they have experienced.<\/p>\n
According to Azas Tigor N., chairman of the Jakarta Social
\nInstitute, street children are of products of broken homes. Some
\nof the children make money to survive by working as street
\npeddlers and boot polishers, while some resort to begging. Many
\nare without immediate families or relatives, he said.<\/p>\n
Azas said that the children are often accused of involvement
\nin crimes they did not commit. The children make special
\ncomplaints about the cruelty of security officers.<\/p>\n
The Institute reported that some of the children had been
\nphysically harmed, sexually harassed and robbed of their money
\nand wares. Occasionally these children are thrown behind bars for
\ndays or even weeks.<\/p>\n
Azas said the institute has tried to provide shelters for the
\nchildren, however, residents living near shelter areas complain
\nthat the presence of the children denigrates their communities.<\/p>\n
Baharuddin said the Commission will urge the Ministry of
\nSocial Services and local administrations to help solve the
\nproblem. He voiced support for the institute's activities.<\/p>\n
Baharuddin also advised the Institute to submit details of the
\nkinds on the cruelty faced by these children.<\/p>\n
He said \"to live is the most fundamental right, and
\nrestraining the children from making ends meet is a means of
\ndenying their right to live.\"<\/p>\n
Baharuddin said that security officers may not mean to harm
\nthe children but intend only to warn them not to disturb public
\norder.<\/p>\n
He advised the children not to expect too much for the time
\nbeing. \"You should be able to help yourselves and avoid trouble,
\nespecially if it involves security officers,\" he said.<\/p>\n
In the meeting the Institute asked that protection be given to
\nthe children and that their rights be respected.<\/p>\n
Early this month the Institute held several activities to
\nchannel the children's artistic creativity at Cibubur Scout
\nCenter. The activities included an opera entitled \"Nyanyian
\nRanting Kering\" (The Song of a Dry Twig) which was performed at
\nTaman Ismail Marzuki Art Center. (05)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wealthy-people-urged-to-help-neglected-kids-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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