Ashwin Raj lodges a complaint against a security officer for seriously beating a group of children begging and selling food outside a restaurant

Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director, Ashwin Raj recently lodged a complaint with another witness against a security officer at an international fast-food chain for seriously beating a group of children begging and selling food in the nearby vicinity.

The Commission says when confronted by Raj, the security guard readily admitted to beating up these children.

Raj says the matter is being investigated by the nearby Raiwaqa Police Station.

We have contacted Police on an update on the case as Raj says the incident occurred on January 30th 2022. Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro says no report has been lodged however Raj says he has lodged the report.

Meanwhile the Commission is warning private security officers to refrain from inflicting physical violence on children begging or selling food on the streets.

The Commission is urging parents and guardians to also come forward and report acts of violence against children.

Raj says no one has the right to subject our children to any acts of violence, physical or otherwise, whether they are in the comfort of their homes, classrooms or on the streets.

He says these children, regardless of whether they are begging or selling food on the streets to make ends meet, have the same constitutional rights like any other privileged child.

Raj says they must enjoy the same protections guaranteed under the Convention on the Rights of the Child to every child regardless of race, religion, colour or creed.

The Commission also calls on the members of the public to not stand and witness these acts of violence as passive spectators.

It asks how would you feel if these were your children.