Ministry warns against disclosing private information that harms child's reputation

The Ministry of Health, Family and Social Guidance has directed that private information should not be made public in a manner that harms the reputation of any child. The directive was issued in a press statement concerning allegations that a person in a position of trust has sexually abused a child, and regarding circulating information that could damage the child's reputation. The statement said that Article 35 of Chapter Two of the Constitution establishes that children are entitled to special assistance and protection from their families, society, and the state. However, the ministry noted that there are instances where private information about children is being disclosed across various media platforms in violation of provisions outlined in the Child Rights Protection Act. The ministry stated that Article 33 of this law explicitly prohibits any party from disclosing any private information about children in a way that would harm their reputation. It specifies that for children who have been accused of crimes, those who have been victims of crimes, or other children requiring protection and safety, their names, addresses, educational institution details, or any other private information that directly or indirectly identifies them, as well as their images, must not be published through any media or other means. Therefore, the ministry stated that releasing information through various media outlets that could harm a child's reputation, whether to influence public opinion regarding any matter involving the child or for any other purpose, constitutes an infringement of the child's rights. Since protecting children's rights is a legal responsibility borne by the entire society, the ministry has directed that no such information should be made public by any party.