PUTRAJAYA: Unicef says it is deeply shocked and appalled by reports that 402 children in Malaysia were allegedly subjected to exploitation, sexual abuse, and neglect at various welfare homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
In a statement Thursday (Sept 12), Unicef representative in Malaysia Robert Gass said the children had endured unimaginable horrors and will need long-term professional medical and psychosocial support.
"The damage caused is severe and often results in lifelong consequences.
"We commend the police and other national authorities for their action and coordination in rescuing these children.
"We hope this action marks the end of their trauma and the beginning of their healing journey," Gass said in the statement.
Unicef added that as long as children in Malaysia reside in unregulated institutional care settings, they remain at heightened risk of suffering violence and abuse.
"Children in institutional care need the support of qualified social workers who can effectively monitor welfare homes," the statement read, adding that Unicef stands ready to support the government in protecting children deprived of parental care and preventing unnecessary family-child separation.
The international organisation also said it was time to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards violence against children in all its forms.
"Every child has the right to grow up in a supportive family environment," it said.
