Children's protection institute established
Children's protection institute established
JAKARTA (JP): The government has inaugurated the Children's
Protection Institute to mobilize formal legal protection for
abused and neglected children.
Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno officiated at the
establishment of the organization at the national level at her
office yesterday, and reminded its officials their target was
children who were mistreated, exploited, neglected and facing
discrimination.
The body is also expected to focus on children in dangerous
situations and those with disabilities or a substance dependence,
Inten said.
It was born out of the National Children's Protection Drive
launched by President Soeharto on July 23, 1997. This is aimed at
promoting efforts to protect the rights of the country's
children.
"Your duties are to review various regulations in connection
with the protection of the rights of the child, and recommend
necessary amendments," she said.
The institute will also be involved in cases of violations of
children's rights, such as abuse, neglect and exploitation. It
will facilitate research and dissemination of information on
relevant subjects, provide consultations, and establish local and
international networks.
"Every Indonesian child is an asset of this nation. We have to
protect their welfare," Inten said at the gathering attended by,
among others, representatives from the United Nations Children's
Fund (Unicef) and the International Labour Organization.
She pointed out that not only did many Indonesian children
have to work, they were often exposed to numerous dangers
including hazardous chemicals.
Citing data compiled in 1996 by the Indonesian's Children
Welfare Foundation, she said 39 cases of children's rights being
violated were reported every month. Most of the children were
female and under 13 years old, especially in the 289 cases of
sexual abuse.
The institute's advisory board is made up of the coordinating
minister for people's welfare, the ministers of social services,
home affairs, education and culture, health, manpower, and
religious affairs and the state minister of population
affairs/chairman of the National Family Planning Board.
The members of the institute include first and second echelon
officials of relevant government agencies, and representatives of
public and social organizations. The director general of social
welfare development will be assigned to coordinate the
development of the institute. (swe)