CSO Platform for Reform notes with grave concern the recent arrest of suspects and rescue of victims related to alleged child abuse, sexual exploitation and deviant Islamic teachings at Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings.
CSO Platform for Reform expresses its support for the swift action by the police in extending the investigation nationwide and globally and the Department of Social Welfare in providing immediate assistance to these children.
Although the accusations against GISB are deeply concerning, enforcement agencies are strongly urged to refrain from detaining individuals without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
It is reiterated that any investigation must adhere to the principles of justice and fairness. Law enforcement agencies are strongly urged to carry out their investigation thoroughly, ensuring that the rule of law is applied rigorously, without fear or favour, leaving no stone unturned in unearthing the extent of the abuses that have taken place.
Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. Any evidence recovered must withstand scrutiny for successful prosecution in the courts.
At the heart of this issue is the gross violation of children’s rights. CSO Platform for Reform firmly stands by the principle that the best interest of the children must be paramount.
Under the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Malaysia is obliged to ensure the protection, care and respect for children’s rights, free from violence, exploitation or harm.
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The survivors of these alleged abuses must be given comprehensive care, including access to medical, psychological and social support services to aid their recovery.
Furthermore, efforts must be made to ensure that no child under institutional care is subjected to such harmful conditions again.
We urge this investigation not only to be thorough but also to act as an impetus for the broader reforms needed in protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, in an institutional setting.
CSO Platform for Reform believes this case should serve as a wake-up call for the enforcement agencies to increase monitoring and investigation of institutions tasked with caring for children, especially when police reports have been made since 2011 against GISB.
There is a need for greater oversight for all such schools and boarding houses run by private actors or religious groups to be fully managed under the law.
We call for the monitoring and regulating of such institutions to ensure that they provide safe, nurturing environments for children. – CSO Platform for Reform
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
