KENYATAN MEDIA SUHAKAM


SURUHANJAYA HAK ASASI MANUSIA MALAYSIA

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA

Tel: 603-2612 5600

TINGKAT 11, MENARA TH PERDANA,

Fax: 603-2612 5620

JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL,

Email:humanrights@suhakam.org.my

50250 KUALA LUMPUR

Web:www.suhakam.org.my

“Hak Asasi Untuk Semua”

“Human Rights For All”

EDITOR, NEWS DESK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS STATEMENT

CRUEL, INHUMAN AND DEGRADING PUNISHMENT IS AGAINST

THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its deep regret

over the death of a 7-year-old pupil in Perlis allegedly beaten by his teacher for

suspected theft. Saiful Syazani Saiful Sopfidee was reported to have succumbed to

internal injuries after being beaten and strangled. The Commission deplores such

cruelty having been perpetrated on a helpless child of such a tender age, which is

against the universal principles of human rights, specifically Article 37 of the

Convention of the Rights of a Child (CRC) which states that no child shall

be subjected to torture, cruel treatment or punishment, and Section

31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which asserts that it is an offence to abuse a

child.

In this regard, the Commission urges all parties concerned to fully respect the

provisions contained in the CRC and the Child Act 2001, and reiterates its call for the

Government to accede, as soon as possible, the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). In ensuring the

protection and proper development of a child which are consistent with the provisions

of the abovementioned Act and Convention and international human rights norms,

the relevant authorities should adopt an alternative approach to whipping or canning

as a punishment which is more humane and does not adversely affect the child’s

physical, mental and psychological well-being.

- end -

TAN SRI HASMY AGAM

Chairman

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

6 April 2011

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