KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called for sports coaches to attend human rights and children’s rights courses as a requirement to obtain their licence to coach students.
In a statement, Suhakam said this follows an incident involving a Melaka U14 volleyball team coach that was seen slapping two of his players at a tournament last month in Johor.
“As a signatory to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), it is the country’s responsibility to ensure that children’s right to freely engage in games and recreational activities is recognised and respected,” they said.
The rights body added that they support Youth and Sports Ministry and Education Ministry’s (MoE) decision to revoke the license and the Malaysian Volleyball Association’s to withdraw the coach’s Level One Coaching Certificate (Specific Sport).
“Suhakam is of the view that the action of the ministry’s is a firm signal to all sports coaches and teachers that both Youth and Sports Ministry, as well as MoE will not compromise on the safety and well-being of athletes, especially involving child athletes.
“This decision is also seen as a guarantee that children and teenagers will not be abused and degraded by any parties while participating in sports, arts, or cultural activities.
“If such incidents are not dealt with appropriately, it is feared that these children’s emotions will be disturbed and they may feel afraid to participate in sports activities,” Suhakam added.
They also urged parents or guardians to report such incidents of coaches degrading students to the police or Social Welfare Department at Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp to 019-2615999, and to the Youth and Sports Ministry or MoE as a collective effort to address the issue more proactively. – The Vibes, January 18, 2023
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