KUCHING, Jan 14: The Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) urges relevant stakeholders to implement amendments to the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act (SOACA).
According to a news report from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, AAS president Gurvir Singh Sandhu said lack of access to justice for children, especially in rural areas, is a concern and requires the attention of relevant parties.
He pointed out that currently, there is only one special court that deals with sexual offenses against children which is located in Kuching.
“In order to ensure that there is access to justice for all children, especially children living in the rural areas, it is appropriate that existing courts in all districts must be equipped with video link facilities to ensure the protection of vulnerable witnesses, especially children,” he said at the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) Sabah and Sarawak held at the Miri Court Complex on Friday (Jan 13).
Gurvir added it is also important for all stakeholders who deal with children especially Judges and Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPP) to be given special training.
“It’s time to create experts in the field,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
