NGOs, advocates laud establishment of special dept for children

Child advocates and civil society organisations in the country welcomed the decision by the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri to establish a special department or institution for children.

In a statement issued today, the 54 signatories expressed support for the government’s initiative and hoped that the ministry will engage with child advocates and civil society organisations in shaping the formation of the proposed Children’s Department.

“May the hope that has come with the new government blossom this year and all children experience meaningful and lasting changes that improve their outcome.

“As the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) embodies, in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration,” read the statement.

They said it is important to institutionalise children’s participation in the organisation and have representatives from diverse communities - including those who are marginalised and disabled.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri

“A dedicated, accountable and competent workforce, perhaps some staffing from other agencies and a meaningful budget, will be critical to the execution of its function,” it read.

They said the new entity will have to review and lift Malaysia’s reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and harmonise national legislation and policies with the Child Act and Sexual Offences Against Children Act.

They recommended that the government form a Children’s Ministry so that it will have the real capacity to make significant changes to the lives of all children in Malaysia and not just be a “welfare” organisation,” they said.

Bernama previously reported the cabinet has agreed in principle to establish a special department or institution for children to look after the welfare and interests of the group.

- Bernama