United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia today welcomed the launching of a special court for sexual crimes against children and the 'Permata Room', for the comfort of child witnesses.
UNICEF Malaysia representative Marianne Clark-Hattingh, in a statement, here said the launch of the special court was a tangible step towards setting up the systems and structures necessary for protecting the child victims of sexual crimes.
"UNICEF is ready to lend our support and expertise to the working committee in order to establish standard operating procedures for handling cases involving child sexual victims," she said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday inaugurated a special court to handle sexual crimes against children, the first such court in Southeast Asia.
Najib said that for a start, the special court at the Palace of Justice would hear cases that took place in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Meanwhile, the waiting room, named 'Permata Room', was also opened yesterday by the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also patron of the Permata Programmes.
The 'Permata Room', which is equipped with a television, computers and children's games, also has a mini library of reading materials suitable for children which were contributed by the Permata Foundation.
Clark-Hattingh added the establishment of the court was also an important step in a series of initiatives needed to ensure that the Malaysian judicial system continues to protect child victims of sexual crimes.
"Additionally, the Malaysian criminal justice system is encouraged to consider additional improvements to court practices for child victims, which includes having dedicated judges and prosecutors, clear practice guidelines for them, special procedures for evidence from child victims and witnesses and pre trial 'directions' or 'ground rules' hearings between judges and counsel," she added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jun 23 2017
The 'Permata Room', which is equipped with a television, computers and children's games, also has a mini library of reading materials suitable for children which were contributed by the Permata Foundation. - BERNAMA photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.