Children to have legal protection
Children to have legal protection
Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian children will soon have legal protection to save them
from all forms of physical abuse, exploitation, persecution and
illiteracy thanks to the bill on children's' protection being
deliberated by the House of Representatives, claims a minister.
State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri Redjeki Sumaryoto
said on Wednesday that the bill had been long-awaited due to
rampant child exploitation across the country for political,
economic and other interests.
"This bill guarantees children's rights and their protection
against all actions depriving them of their childhoods so as to
allow them to grow in a humane manner and become mature and
independent adults," she said before a meeting to discuss the
bill with the House of Representatives' Commission VII on
population and social affairs here on Wednesday.
The minister added that around 85.3 million children under the
age of 18 in the country were frequently exposed to numerous
kinds of abuses, exploitation, physical maltreatment and
persecution in conflict-prone regions.
The bill stipulates that the government, natural and adoptive
parents, and all state institutions are obliged to provide
protection for children in crisis situations, such as when they
are forced to become refugees or fall victims to riots, natural
disasters, and armed conflicts.
The draft law also threatens stiff sanctions against the
perpetrators of all forms of crimes against children.
Any individual and institution abusing children in time of war
or armed conflict, or during riots or other violent situations
will be liable to a maximum of 15 years in jail and/or a fine of
Rp 1 billion.
Those abducting children for their organs will be liable to a
maximum of 15 years in jail and/or a fine of Rp 300 million.
The draft also requires the government to develop and enhance
cooperation with civil society and NGOs to provide protection for
children, especially the handicapped.
Sri said the government and the House are committed to having
the bill passed into law on International Children Day as a gift
for the country's children
Children's rights:
- to live a normal, humane life
- to be protected against all forms of violence and
discrimination, exploitation, legal sanctions and persecution
- to develop their identities and receive citizenship
- to enjoy religious freedom according to their beliefs, and
freedom of expression under their parents' guidance
- to be informed of their biological parents in the case of
adopted children
- to benefit from medical care and social security according to
their physical, social and religious needs.
- to receive education and training to develop their
personalities and intellectual capabilities in accordance with
their interests and talents
- (for handicapped children) to receive special education,
rehabilitation, social security and social welfare
- to be able to rest and utilize their leisure time, associate
with their peers, play, and enjoy recreation according to their
interests for the sake of the development of their personalities.