Inter-Faith groups stand united against violence on Women and Children

Leaders of the major inter-faith groups in Malaysia are calling on all Malaysians irrespective of race or creed to work vigorously against human trafficking and violence against women and children.

“We must overcome our indifference and ignorance to safeguard the respect for human life. We must engage in dialogue with one another to raise awareness and play a bigger role in eradicating this widespread abuse of human rights,” said Datuk RS Mohan Shan, President of Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

The MCCBCHST in collaboration with Good Shepherd Services (GSS) officially launched a 16 Days of Activism campaign: Orange the World Say No to Violence Against Women and Children on November 25, with a booklet entitled ’16 Days of Reflection for the Nation’.

As a continuum to the Inter-Faith Joint Declaration Against Human Trafficking signed by the inter-faith leaders this year on 30 July, the Orange the World campaign was a collaborative effort between GSS and MCCBCHST to raise public awareness and to call Malaysians of all faiths to reflect and take action to end violence against women and children.

“Today, on an ‘Orange’ day marked by the United Nations to end violence, we gather here again to take on the next step in our battle against trafficking. Today becomes significant because we chose to come together in solidarity to make a difference in our world. We stand united in hope to create a world where women and children are safe and where everyone has the same freedom and dignity,” said Datuk Mohan in his speech which was delivered on his behalf by MCCBCHST Exco member Venerable Sing Kan.

Conceptualised by GSS, the ‘16 Days of Reflection for the Nation’ booklet is designed to be a resource for awareness, reflection and action during the 16-day period commencing from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

“This inspirational booklet provides us with a glimpse inside the maze of human trafficking. Each of the 16 articles tells a story that speaks powerfully of the violence, trauma and grief experienced by survivors and advocates,” said Ms Chin Poh Choo, Executive Director of GSS.

Archbishop Julian Leow who is the Deputy President of MCCBCHST expressed his joy at seeing how the commitment of each inter-faith group remained firm in standing united to uphold the fundamental human rights and dignity of individuals. He urged the members to reflect on what they could do as a faith community in creating awareness among their respective congregations, on what action could be taken to help the victims and more importantly what can be done to prevent such incidents of human trafficking and violence against women and children from happening in the first place.

“We all know that we have to do much more to respond to the cries for justice of women and children who have suffered violence. We have to do much more to end these horrible abuses and the impunity that allows these human rights violations to continue.

“If we work together, then we can be part of the answer to our country’s response to this heinous crime and create a society in which no woman or child will live in fear or violence and every child will grow up knowing he or she is safe,” added Archbishop Leow.

On hand to share their experiences in encountering human trafficking victims were ASP Jimrey Hillary Chukan from the ‘Anti-Trafficking in Persons’ Unit of Polis DiRaja Malaysia, journalist Elroi Yee, who was part of a team that was instrumental in uncovering a trafficking ring preying on vulnerable youth and Good Shepherd nun, Sr Laurina Loh.

During the launch the leaders were led to a ‘Tree of Hope’ where each one lit up an orange candle representing the fire of hope that needs to be kept alive and vibrant through the commitments made by them. The leaders and guests were then invited to ‘Orange the World’ by writing a message of hope, a declaration of solidarity, a pledge to action or a prayer on an orange piece of paper and sticking it on the map of the world hanging on the wall.

The component groups of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, i.e. Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Council of Churches of Malaysia and National Evangelical Christian Fellowship have also collaborated with GSS on a similar booklet entitled ‘16 Days of Prayer for the Nation’ which was distributed to the respective churches. In his foreword, Archbishop Leow said that as a community called to liberate all who are oppressed, the Church’s imperative is to be involved in the liberation of these victims from a culture of violence and exploitation to fullness of life and communion.

“To fulfil its prophetic role, the Church needs to rise up in unity to comfort the afflicted and be an agent of church, said Archbishop Leow as he urged the faithful to pray, reflect and take action to end violence against women and children in all forms.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online