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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.
50250 KUALA LUMPUR
“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.
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TAN SRI HASMY AGAM
Chairman
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
6 April 2011