NGO: Aceh kids need attention

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An activist here made a plea to the country to pay immediate attention to the fate of children caught up in the conflict in Aceh.

Abdul Gani Nurdin, the chairman of the Aceh-based Children's Protection Institute, said that since the province had been declared a military operation zone, some 150,000 children had become "live victims" of the armed conflict after their parents were killed in various incidents.

"In Banda Aceh, which has some 370,000 people, many children live on the streets and become beggars. Most come from conflict areas, such as North Aceh, Pidie, Bireureun and East Aceh," Abdul Gani told Antara.

He lamented that there seemed to be no immediate reprieve for the children as violence continues to rock the province on a daily basis.

"If we care enough for this country's future, we must protect children as our next generation," Abdul Gani said.(02)