The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has condemned the use of children in public assemblies, describing it as an exploitation and improper method to make a success of the organiser's motives.

NONE According to Bernama , its commissioner James Nayagam ( right, in picture ) said freedom of assembly was guaranteed in the country, but recent cases of taking children to demonstrations were "certainly an exploitation under the Child Act 2001".

In future, Suhakam was planning to meet groups planning to hold such assemblies and would advise them to conform with existing guidelines and rules, he said after attending a forum, 'Abandonment of Babies', organised by Suhakam in Petaling Jaya today.

NONE He was asked to comment on the presence of children during a gathering at the National Mosque here on Dec 5, on Selangor's water issue.

Nayagam said the commission regretted the participation of children in public assemblies.

Opposition figures, on their part, condemned the police for their “violence” and “injustice”, including against children on Dec 5.

Several children who looked no older than 10 years old were among those on the receiving end of the police’s chemical-laced water cannons and tear gas.

Some were seen vomiting and crying at the police action.