NGO wants centers for vulnerable children

JAKARTA (JP): The government should establish shelters in every regency for children needing legal protection, a non- governmental organization said over the weekend.

A shelter would provide refuge for street children, those who are neglected and abused by parents and, most importantly, minors remanded in custody by court decision.

Children in general commit crimes due to economic pressure, impulse or through wishing to be part of a group, Hindasih Syafarudin, a member of the Children Protection Team, said.

"We should ask their motivation first before we decide that they should go on trial," she said. "A foundation for children's protection would be necessary to do the examination."

Hans E. Kawulusan, another executive of the Children Protection Team, said protection of children's rights was important as they were the focus of development and would be future leaders.

Indonesia is a signatory of the UN convention on children's rights listing about 30 items, including protection from discrimination, punishment, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the rights to legal assistance.

It states in chapter 42 that every country must foster and monitor the implementation of the convention. Indonesia has adapted it into several regulations.

Damanhuri Rosadi, another member of the Children Protection Team chairperson, said there was still lack of understanding about children's rights defined under the child welfare law.

"The implementation has not been executed wholly," Damanhuri said. "Children's rights have not been socially accepted." (09)