Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) and  UNICEF have called on all elements of the Indonesian public to make every possible effort to stop violence against children in the country.

"In accordance with our mandate, the DPR has an important role to play in supporting real actions and to make a difference in the lives of our children," House Speaker Agung Laksono said here on Wednesday.

Agung made the statement at a function to launch a DPR guide book titled "Abolition of Violence Against Children" at the parliament buildig in Senayan.

On the occasion, the House leader also called on all legislators to support the effort.

Meanwhile, UNICEF deputy representative in Indonesia, Marcoluigi Corsi, said  violence against children was a violation of  the children's rights.

"We should also keep in mind that violence against children has a negative impact on  social and economic stability," Corsi said, adding that  acts of violence against  children occurred without any consideration of their age, gender, race, and economic background.

A number of surveys in Indonesia had shown that two-thirds of male children and one-third of female children admitted to ever having been beaten and physically punished.

- Source : Antara News Agency, 15 May 2008