Curfew must not impinge on children's rights: NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is calling on the police to consult all relevant parties before enforcing a newly announced measure to prevent young people under the age of 18 from staying out late.

"The measure concerns both the welfare and liberty of young people," NHRC commissioner Visa Benjamano said yesterday.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau recently decided to stop children staying out after 10pm without a sound reason.

Visa said the authorities should first take into account the social and economic conditions in the capital that are keeping many children outside after 10pm.

"Some children might have some errands to tend to or might be on their way home," she said, adding that police should first listen to the opinions of youngsters, parents and people working for children's causes before implementing the measure.

"Police should also carefully consider relevant laws," Visa added.

She said psychologists and social workers should be present when youngsters are detained for being outside beyond the 10pm deadline.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano said the measure was in line with relevant laws, namely the Children Protection Act. He said that if children were found straying outside late at night, they would be taken to a police station and their parents alerted.

"If they are caught for a second time, their parents will be punished too," he said, adding that parents could face up to three months in jail or a maximum fine of Bt20,000.

Amnuay said those worried about the measure could call (081) 612 5640 around the clock for details.

"We are not limiting children's rights, we are protecting them," he said.

This measure is part of the government's plan to cut crime by 20 per cent in six months.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the police would mainly focus on Internet cafes, which were off-limits to children late at night anyway. He said the government would also rely on privately owned security cameras, as well as volunteers and patrol policemen, in a bid to tackle crime.