‘Giving kids a brighter future is Asean’s responsibility’

KUALA LUMPUR: Ending sexual crime and violence against women and children is a responsibility Asean member countries should take on together to uplift human rights.

Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who was guest of honour at the Jenayah Seksual Kanak-Kanak: Hentikan!! seminar yesterday, said a multilateral collaboration could help create a world free from exploitation, social injustice and a place where children can enjoy their childhood and prepare for the future.

Citing a 2009 Unicef research, Megawati said human trafficking was rampant in Asean countries. Young girls were trafficked for sexual purposes and boys were trafficked as labour workers on boats in Thailand, she added.

Megawati said such atrocities were proof that Asean member states needed proper policies to give children a chance for a better future.

“The future of our country lies in the hands of today’s children which is why the duty of ensuring our children’s future not only lies in the hands of their parents, but society as well,” she said.

“I am certain that Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as other Asean countries see this issue as part of the fight for humanity and justice,” added Megawati.

Earlier this year, The Star’s R.AGE team uncovered the dark reality of child sexual crimes in Malaysia through its Predator In My Phone undercover investigations (fb.com/ragepmp).