The Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson requested today not to use the photo and information of a six-year-old child who passed away following a delay in receiving a feeding tube for political gain.
In a statement released by the Ombudsperson’s Office, it stated that an investigation has been launched under the Child Rights Protection Act regarding the death of the young boy.
Furthermore, the statement noted that following the child's death, the public and some newspapers have been using the child's private information and photos without parental consent to spread various stories, and it has also been observed that this information and photos are being used for political gain.
However, the agency stated that while children are entitled to care, safety, and protection, the misuse of a child's private information is something that would diminish the child's dignity.
"We believe this is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the aforementioned law and is an act that obstructs the opportunities facilitated by that law to protect the interests of children," the statement said.
"Therefore, during this time of grief faced by the child's family, we appeal not to use the child's private information and photos on social media platforms without the family's consent in a manner that diminishes the child's dignity,"
According to what the family wrote on Facebook, the only way to feed the 6 year old child, who had Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, was through a feeding tube. The post stated that although a request was made through Aasandha to bring the tube via STO, it was not received even after eight months.
Subsequently, the tube was obtained through IGMH last Sunday. On that same day, the child was admitted to the hospital after being taken to the doctor due to breathing difficulties. The child passed away yesterday while receiving treatment at the hospital.
