Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Commission on Disability (KND) sought to strengthen advocacy for the prevention and handling of sexual violence against students with disabilities by holding a forum with relevant ministries and agencies.

A KND release broadcast here on Friday informed that the activity discussed sexual violence against disabled students and the procedure for preventing and handling such incidents at educational units.

"This activity aims to follow up on cases of sexual violence against children with disabilities, especially in education units," KND chairperson Dante Rigmalia said.

After the forum, it is hoped that an agreement can be reached on a mechanism for preventing and handling such cases, she added.

She explained that to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of children with disabilities, her side is carrying out its advocacy function.

The government has tasked the KND with monitoring the handling of disabled children who are victims of sexual violence, she added.

Meanwhile, in situations where disabled persons are either the perpetrators, witnesses, or victims of sexual violence, her side is referring to Government Regulation Number 39 of 2020 on the Proper Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities in the Judicial Process.

This aims to determine the necessary approach for disabled people and their obstacles in undergoing the judicial process.

On the same occasion, KND Commissioner Fatimah Asri Mutmainah said that the commission is a part of the cooperation for the prevention of torture (KuPP) team.

The team consists of other related agencies, such as the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), among others.

KND is also involved in public hearings with other national human rights agencies.

Through the hearings, it has found that there are many cases of sexual violence against people with disabilities where the alleged perpetrator is a non-disabled person.

This clearly illustrates how power is linked in these cases, leading to delays in justice.

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Translator: Hana K, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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