Suhakam: Uphold child’s rights, Selangor
PUCHONG: The National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has told the Selangor government to respect child rights as provided for in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
“In light of the ongoing discussion surrounding the status of unilateral conversion of minors in Selangor, Suhakam would like to reiterate our position on this issue, which is that the right of the child to preserve his or her identity is guaranteed by Article 8 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and must be respected and taken into consideration in the assessment of the child’s best interests.”
There are plans in Selangor to amend its sharia laws to enable unilateral conversion by minors. The proposal was made by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council.
The proposed bill however was not tabled as the Selangor state assembly sitting session ended in two days.
The commission reminded the Selangor government of the judgement in the Indira Gandhi case which emphasized the importance of both parents.
On that note Suhakam also called for Article 12(4) to be amended.
“Suhakam believes that amending Article 12(4) to clarify the original intent of the Constitution, or by enacting law that will comprehensively articulate the responsibilities, rights and privileges related to the identity, including religion, of minors will safeguard the core values of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect in matters relating to freedom of religion and belief in our society
Indira Gandhi has started a nationwide roadshow to seek public help in locating her missing daughter Prasana Diksa who was abducted her Muslim convert husband Muhammad Ridhuan Abdullah ten years ago.
