STATEMENT (3C) : PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN (AGENDA ITEM 64), 7 OCTOBER 2022

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 7 OCTOBER 2022

2.      Children are society’s most precious asset as they are our future. Malaysia is committed in promoting and safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, including in situations of armed conflict, particularly in occupied territories. We must spare no effort in keeping children out of harm’s way and providing them with avenues to realise their full potential. 

3.      In fulfilling our obligation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Malaysia enacted the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], which was further strengthened through an amendment in 2016. The Act provides for, amongst others, the setting up of Child Protection Teams and Child Activity Centres at both the state and district levels, aimed at mobilising community participation in the implementation of preventive and rehabilitative programmes. Such programmes and activities are targeted toward children at risk or children that are vulnerable to all forms of abuse and exploitation.

4.      One of the key amendments to the Child Act 2001 is the inclusion of child participation, through the establishment of the National Council for Children. The Council provides a platform for child representatives to participate and present recommendations to the Government on all issues related to the protection, care, rehabilitation, development and participation of children at the national, regional and international level.

5.      In addition, the Government is currently developing a comprehensive National Policy and Plan of Action on Children, guided by the principles enshrined under the CRC such as survival, protection, development, and participation. The new Policy and Plan of Action will cover cross-sectoral issues such as juvenile justice, bullying, mental health, child exploitation, child marriage, climate change and child online protection. The new Policy and Plan of Action also incorporates elements from other existing child-related policies, amongst others, the National Child Protection Policy, Social Reproductive and Health Education Policy and Child Protection Action Plan in the Cyber World.

6.      Using a whole-of-government approach, the new Policy and Plan of Action is being formulated in consultation with government agencies, child representatives, non-governmental organisations, as well as academia. The drafting of the Policy is due for completion later this year, while the Plan of Action is expected to be finalised in 2023.

7.      Implementation wise, the Government has taken measures to strengthen children's institutions at state and district levels by increasing the number of Protection and Probation Officers in phases, through the appointment of contract officers.

8.      The Government has also initiated the “Family-Based Care” pilot project in four (4) States, with a view to prevent unnecessary detention and institutionalisation of children. Through this initiative, children in need of care will grow in family-setting placements instead of living in welfare institutions. Malaysia appreciates the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the “Family-Based Care” pilot project, which allows the Government to ensure adequate resources as well as identify best practices prior to its comprehensive implementation.

9.      Malaysia is committed in strengthening services for children in need of protection in the country, and in giving children the choice to live the life they desire and deserve. To this end, Malaysia will continue undertake efforts in fulfilling obligations under the CRC to ensure that no child is left behind.