Accountability Reform Needed After Children Abused In Welfare Homes


 



From Hartini Zainudin
The recent revelations of alleged mass abuse and neglect involving 402 children are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking.
Angry and upset friends have been contacting me asking why non-governmental organisations and child activists aren’t saying more, doing more and insisting on more accountability.
We are.
We have reached out to the authorities and action is already being taken.
But again, this action is being taken after the fact and has been in response to a crime that has already been committed.
This reactive approach takes precedence over safety and care for the child.
Who suffers the most before, during and after crimes have been committed? The children.
Across all societies, cultures and religions, the abuse of children is unequivocally unacceptable.
It is imperative that we express our outrage and demand accountability from those responsible.
This is a jarring contrast to where I am now, in Morocco, to study the kafalah model for family-based care of children who need families and a good home.
The children are at the centre of any programme impacting children, with families and strangers coming together to love, protect and ensure that every child knows they are wanted and loved.
I saw this in every aspect of the work the adults, staff and volunteers do in the one space my friends and I have visited so far.
It is exhilarating and hopeful to watch the community come together to help children in need and in crisis. Heartwarming and hopeful!
In Morocco, the kafalah model exemplifies how Islamic values and international standards can coexist to safeguard children’s rights.
By aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Islamic teachings, institutions can create environments that honour children’s rights and dignity.
Inappropriate defensive responses
When institutions respond defensively or deflect responsibility by questioning how children learned inappropriate acts, it signals a failure to prioritise child safety.
Instead, institutions should focus on:
1. Conducting immediate and thorough investigations of any allegation.
2. Providing comprehensive support and care for potential victims.
3. Strengthening and rigorously enforcing child protection policies.
4. Maintaining transparency in all processes.
The unacceptability of victim blaming
Blaming child survivors for the abuse they have suffered is absolutely unacceptable. Responsibility lies solely with the perpetrators.
Islamic teachings emphasise justice and protection for the vulnerable.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 
Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one, (Sahih Al-Bukhari) underscoring the need to prevent oppression and support victims.
Corporal punishment is not education
Physical punishment under the guise of education violates children’s rights.
The UNCRC explicitly prohibits all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment.
Islam also emphasises gentleness in teaching, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 
Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters. (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
The duty of care
Educational institutions and welfare homes have a sacred duty of care. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminded us, 
Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim). This duty extends to protecting children from all forms of harm and abuse.
Islamic teachings and child rights
Islam places a significant emphasis on the rights and dignity of children.
The Quran and hadith provide clear guidance on treating and protecting children.
The Quran states, 
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you, (Quran 17:31), emphasising the divine responsibility to protect and provide for children.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the importance of compassion and justice, stating, 
He who does not show mercy, no mercy will be shown to him. (Sahih Muslim).
UNCRC’s comprehensive framework
The UNCRC outlines children’s rights and sets standards for their protection and welfare, emphasising that all actions concerning children should prioritise their best interests.
Key provisions include:
Article 19: Protection from all forms of violence and abuse.Article 28 and 29: The right to education and development.Harmonising Islamic and UNCRC principles
Institutions must integrate these principles to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
This involves:
1. Preventive education: teaching children about consent and respect.
2. Transparency and accountability: providing clear evidence of educational practices.
3. Comprehensive child protection policies: ensuring compliance with Islamic values and international standards.
Institutions must avoid defensive responses that deflect responsibility or blame victims.
Instead, they should focus on thorough investigations, support for victims, enforcing protection policies and maintaining transparency.
We need this shift in mindset and understand that children’s safety and protection can only happen if we make children our priority, and that all children must matter to everyone in Malaysia. - FMT
Hartini Zainudin is the founder of Yayasan Chow Kit.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2024/09/accountability-reform-needed-after.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
Medical Groups Call For Children S Commission After Welfare Homes Raid

Medical Groups Call For Children S Commission After Welfare Homes Raid

papar berkaitan - pada 15/9/2024 - jumlah : 159 hits
Some 400 children were rescued after police raided 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan on Wednesday PETALING JAYA Two medical groups and a former president of another have urged the government to establish a standalone children...
Cops Rescue Over 400 Children In Raids On 20 Welfare Homes

Cops Rescue Over 400 Children In Raids On 20 Welfare Homes

papar berkaitan - pada 12/9/2024 - jumlah : 109 hits
It was earlier reported that raids were conducted by Bukit Aman on welfare homes linked to a specific company PETALING JAYA A total of 402 children aged between one and 17 years have been rescued after police raided 20 welfare homes in Sela...
Welfare Future Prospects Of Rescued Children Discussed Dpm

Welfare Future Prospects Of Rescued Children Discussed Dpm

papar berkaitan - pada 19/9/2024 - jumlah : 107 hits
The cabinet meeting today focused on the welfare training prospects and religious education of children and teenagers rescued from homes linked to GISB Holdings said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Speaking after he visited the Lam...
Shariah Court To Check Marital Status Of Rescued Children S Parents Says Na Im

Shariah Court To Check Marital Status Of Rescued Children S Parents Says Na Im

papar berkaitan - pada 20/9/2024 - jumlah : 82 hits
Religious affairs minister Na im Mokhtar said determining the status of these children was crucial for their future KUALA LUMPUR The shariah court will determine the marital status of the parents of some of the 402 children rescued from 20 ...
Mahkota Polls Zahid Wants Another Mrsm For Military Children

Mahkota Polls Zahid Wants Another Mrsm For Military Children

papar berkaitan - pada 20/9/2024 - jumlah : 98 hits
MAHKOTA BY ELECTION The government is mulling an additional Mara Junior Science College specifically for the children of military personnel Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today Discussions will be held with the Defence Minist...
Children Shelters And Systemic Crimes

Children Shelters And Systemic Crimes

papar berkaitan - pada 24/9/2024 - jumlah : 113 hits
THE recent case of a global organisation in Malaysia allegedly involved in sexual abuse child trafficking child abandonment sodomy forced labour sexual grooming exploitation and other related offences has garnered wide media coverage The ov...
Water Treatment Plant Project Halted After Embankment Collapses

Water Treatment Plant Project Halted After Embankment Collapses

papar berkaitan - pada 8/9/2024 - jumlah : 114 hits
An embankment collapse caused the constuction site of a water treatment plant to be flooded today PETALING JAYA Construction of a water treatment plant in Puchong has been put on hold following the collapse of an embankment which resulted i...
Ringgit Rebounds After 3 Day Slide

Ringgit Rebounds After 3 Day Slide

papar berkaitan - pada 5/9/2024 - jumlah : 234 hits
KUALA LUMPUR The ringgit regained its footing after three days of losses to end firmer against the US dollar emerging as the best performing currency in Asia for the day said an analyst Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Afzanizam R...
Justice Beyond Life Tun Mahathir S Tribute To A Fallen Comrade

Whistleblower Himself May Be Implicated In Assemblymen Bribery Case Says Source

Perempuan Terkejut Bila Bayar Rm8 40 Untuk Secawan Milo Panas

Poll Finds Malaysians Divided Over Blanket Ban On 3r Discussions

Minta 2 Dapat 1 Lagi Pendedahan Video Pemberi Maklumat

Dua Lelaki Tular Curi Motosikal Diburu

Celebrate A Peranakan Christmas In Kuala Lumpur With Santa Grand Signature S Exclusive Buffet

Time To Engage China In Its Terms


echo '';
Senarai Lagu Separuh Akhir Muzik Muzik 39 Semi Final Muzik Muzik SFMM 2024 Persaingan Merebut Tiket Ke AJL Anugerah Juara Lagu

Biodata Terkini Fairuz Selamat Q Face Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11 Penyanyi Lagu Izinkanlah

Biodata Terkini Arrora Salwa Salwa Razak Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11 Penyanyi Lagu Ahmad

Biodata Terkini Penyanyi Liza Aziz Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11 Adik Beradik Kepada Azlina Aziz

Senarai Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11 Tonton Konsert Minggu 1 Pada 24 November Live Di Astro Ria Sooka Online


Resepi Rojak Tauhu

Akhirnya Dato Sri Hajah Siti Nurhaliza Binti Tarudin Dinobatkan Sebagai Buduanita Negara

Pembungkusan Yang Berfungsi Menjaga Kesegaran Minyak Esensial

Makan Kerepek Pisang Tanduk Kawan Bagi

Family Mart Dan Gz Baiyun Airport Mehood Liz Hotel Guangzhou

Beg Tangan Jenis Mana Jadi Pilihan Wanita Moden