Committee formed to review child safeguards in Islamic religious settings after sexual assault case

The committee will seek views from children, young people and parents to understand their experiences and inform its recommendations.

“Recommendations should be practical and proportionate to institutions’ differing contexts and capacities. Relevant lessons and good practices may also be considered for wider application across other religious settings,” they added.

Members of the public can also share their views and suggestions through an online feedback form.

Assoc Prof Razwana said the committee will look at existing practices and how they can be strengthened further.

It will also look at how safeguarding measures can be put in place “within the context of being a bit more culturally sensitive” and applicable within a religious setup.

On emerging risks, she added that society needs to find ways to build the resilience of children and young people, so they can protect themselves from threats online.

She said the committee would like to “go in and really hear the perspectives” of what is happening in the institution.

“We want to understand the ground first before we can come in and give our recommendation,” she added.

While the committee looks at strengthening safeguards, it should not come at the cost of making religious institutions less open or less welcoming to the public, Mr Fathurrahman stressed.