Reporting child porn should be easier, Azalina concurs with activists

 

Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said today supported the call by child activists for authorities to make it easier for the public to lodge reports against child pornography.

In a statement, the former law minister said having an efficient enforcement process is as important as having laws to protect children.

“I agree that the child pornography reporting process should be made easier. The existence of laws protecting children together with efficient enforcement of these laws is important as one cannot work without the other.

“We need these laws in place as well as efficient enforcement of these laws to make it easier for anyone, be it victims, family members, and those who unintentionally come across child pornography to lodge a report.

“The challenges in practical aspects of enforcement are there, no doubt. It requires the government, lawmakers, and law enforcers to work together in finding ways to address these implementation challenges and resolve them," she said on Facebook this morning.

Azalina’s statement came in response to an article published yesterday by Free Malaysia Today, where it quoted Childline Foundation executive director Wong Poai Hong and Voice of the Children’s Sharmila Sekaran as urging the government to make it easier for the public, including victims, to lodge reports against child pornography.

Wong reportedly said that lack of anonymity may deter victims or their family members from lodging reports as they may be embarrassed, while Sharmila urged authorities to assure those who report child pornography that they will not be penalised should they unintentionally come across child pornography.

Azalina in her statement pointed out that immediate and accessible follow-up actions, including victim support, are also crucial to ensure justice and protect children.

“We also need to raise awareness on self-produced child pornography content, be it intentional or groomed.

“It is high time we do better for the children, both through short-term measures (reporting and victim support) and long-term measures (education and having a better system in place),” she added. - Mkini