Govt told to root out malnutrition

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