Govt told to root out malnutrition

JAKARTA: The National Commission on Child Protection has asked the government to ratify a United Nations convention that it says will address malnutrition, which mostly affects children.

Commission secretary-general Arist Merdeka Sirait said on Friday the ratification of the Convention on Economic, Social and Culture Rights would require the government to take care of malnourished children.

"The state is obliged to ensure the children's right to live in accordance with the child protection law and the Constitution in place of their hapless parents," Arist said.

Over 50 children aged under five have died of severe malnutrition since January, while thousands of others are receiving special treatment for their poor health.

The commission on Friday launched the National Drive Against Malnutrition, which also involves Miss Indonesia Club. -- Antara