Children might not vote, sit in Parliament or draft legislation, but the laws that govern their lives have a profound impact on their safety, well-being and future opportunities.Beginning June 8, a five-day symposium aims to bring public attention to an important question: Are Malaysia's laws doing enough to protect every child?
Child rights advocates, parliamentarians, legal experts, academics, civil society organisations and youth representatives will come together for the Symposium on "Children's Rights: Legislative Reform".
Organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Children’s Rights (APPGM-CR), the symposium involves the Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), Yayasan Chow Kit and Kemban Kolektif.The event is supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Malaysia and Yayasan Sime Darby.
"Many people only hear about child rights when a tragedy occurs," says Ampang member of parliament Rodziah Ismail, who is also chairman of APPGM-CR. "This symposium is an opportunity for the public to see the important work being done across political parties, government agencies and civil society to strengthen protections for children and ensure that our laws reflect their best interests."
Suhakam commissioner Melissa Akhir says the symposium reflects the shared responsibility of ensuring children's rights are protected in both law and practice.
"Children's rights are human rights," she says. "As a national human rights institution, Suhakam advises parliamentary committees and monitors government implementation of laws affecting children nationwide. "This symposium follows up on the ground to guide parliamentarians from across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak in strengthening the Child Act 2001 and related legislation, in line with Malaysia's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1995. The responsibility to ensure the young are protected, heard and able to thrive lies with all of us," she adds.
The timing is particularly significant. Malaysia is currently reviewing its progress under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), an international treaty that sets standards for the protection and well-being of children.
The symposium will explore these issues through a series of dialogues, legal discussions and public engagement sessions.
For advocates working directly with vulnerable communities, the symposium also presents an opportunity to ensure that the experiences of marginalised children are reflected in policy discussions.
"By bringing together affected communities, practitioners and policymakers, the symposium helps ensure that the voices of marginalised children, often unheard, such as Indigenous and stateless children, are heard and translated into more effective legal and policy responses," says Anne Baltazar, co-founder and executive director of Sabah-based NGO Advocates for Non-Discrimination and Access to Knowledge (Anak).
On June 12, Yayasan Chow Kit will host a "Civil Society with Children Townhall: How to Use CRC Standards for Children’s Rights in Current Contexts", providing an opportunity for members of the public, civil society organisations, advocates and young people to engage directly with leading experts in the field.
The organisers also emphasise that child rights are not solely the responsibility of lawmakers or welfare agencies. Protecting children requires a whole-of-society approach involving families, schools, local authorities, businesses, religious leaders, legal professionals and community organisations.
Particular attention will be given to children who face heightened vulnerabilities, including stateless children, refugees, children with disabilities and those affected by harmful practices. Advocates highlight that ensuring equal protection for all children is essential if Malaysia is to fulfil its commitments under international human rights standards.
Among those calling for more inclusive policymaking are young advocates representing children with disabilities and complex medical needs.
Miza Marsya Roslan, Malaysia Rare Diseases Society committee member says children living with rare diseases are often overlooked in policy conversations despite facing significant challenges.
"Rare diseases do not discriminate by age, sex, race or financial status. They exist across every community, including marginalised groups," she says. "Too often, young persons living with rare diseases and disabilities have been treated as an afterthought – asked to share our struggles and stories to inspire, but not included in decision-making. We hope this symposium becomes an opportunity to break barriers and rebuild laws that are inclusive for children with disabilities and complex medical needs."
As Malaysia continues its journey towards stronger child protection and greater social inclusion, the symposium serves as a reminder that safeguarding children’s rights is not only a legal obligation but a shared national responsibility.
