Suhakam supports Children's Commission Bill

PETALING JAYA: The government's move to develop the Children's Commission Bill is a visionary initiative, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)

"It is imperative for the Bill to be crafted as a formidable mechanism, empowering the envisioned commission with the authority to advocate policy changes, enforce laws and diligently monitor actions aimed at safeguarding the rights of children," it said.

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Suhakam also said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 2) that this should safeguard all aspects of their lives.

"While acknowledging the establishment of the Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC) within its institution, Suhakam is of the view that it is not enough to address the many issues related to child rights due to the limited capacity and resources," it added.

Suhakam then proposed several recommendations, including that the Commission be allowed sufficient budget and resources, expanded mandates and greater powers, including unrestricted access to shelters, detention centres as well as child-related data.

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"There should be full-time Commissioners for effective execution and the Commission should serve as a checks and balances and act as a bridge between the government and society, between children and adults on child rights matters," added Suhakam.

Suhakam said the Commission should possess the authority to advocate for children's interests, rights and well being with the best interests of children at the core of all development initiatives in Malaysia.

The Commission, it said, should be involved in the formulation of child-centric national policies, enhancing the quality of care delivered by the government while aligning these policies with principles of good governance.