[UPDATED] Suhakam to have autonomous arm representing children

KUALA LUMPUR – An autonomous special branch to represent children will be set up under the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

This was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after today’s cabinet meeting in Putrajaya.

“There have been too many cases of abuse and mistreatment and various social issues related to children.”

He added that a special commissioner will be appointed as a Suhakam member to address abuse and social problems involving children.

Meanwhile, Anwar announced that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair a social committee to look into children-related issues.

The prime minister added the recommendations which will be enforced by Women, Family & Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Previously, Law and Institutional Reforms Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman called for an independent children’s commission to oversee child-related matters, including crimes and police investigations.

The Pengerang MP said the commission would provide society with a better understanding of child victims’ rights and how criminal investigations involving children should be carried out.

She added that an independent commission would be able to more fully advocate the rights of children and address any loopholes in the law regarding crimes against children or in police investigation procedures. – The Vibes, January 18, 2023