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HIV-positive orphans in North Sumatra must be allowed to go to school: KPAI
Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) commissioner Retno Listyarti has lambasted the suggestion that three HIV-positive orphans in Samosir, North Sumatra, should be homeschooled.
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Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) commissioner Retno Listyarti has lambasted the suggestion that three HIV-positive orphans in Samosir, North Sumatra, should be homeschooled. (Agence France -Presse/Asif Hassan)
T
he Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) called on the government on Thursday to protect three HIV-positive orphans who currently face the threat of being driven out of their homes in Samosir, North Sumatra.
The orphans, all of whom are under 12 years old, have been given an ultimatum to leave the regency in seven days because local residents are afraid that they might get infected. The children are also prohibited from going to school.
It was suggested following a meeting among school management, the local community and the regency administration that the children be home-schooled.
In a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Thursday, KPAI commissioner Retno Listyarti lambasted the recommendation, saying it could potentially violate the children’s right to education.
Read also: Residents tell HIV-positive orphans to leave Samosir
“Homeschooling needs active participation from parents, and these children’s parents are no longer with them anymore,” Retno said in the statement.
She also urged the government to protect as well as fulfill the children’s basic rights as stipulated in Law No. 35/2014 on child protection. (wit)
