PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must take decisive and proactive measures to safeguard girls after recent reports of violence involving female minors, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
It said incidents involving bullying, sexual assaults and gender based killings of girls must be addressed urgently.
“Suhakam expresses deep concern over recent reports involving girls in Malaysia, including cases in Sabah, Melaka, Selangor and Kedah,” it said.
“These incidents, including gang rapes and fatal acts of violence amounting to femicide, expose a grave reality,” it added.
It said children, particularly girls, continue to be failed by protection systems and social structures meant to keep them safe.
“Schools, communities and online spaces that should nurture learning, trust and growth are becoming sites of fear, victimisation and harm,” said Suhakam
“This is not only a national tragedy but a serious violation of children’s rights, dignity and equality,” it added on Thursday (Oct 16).
With the recent International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, Suhakam urged the government to act beyond commemoration.
It called for decisive action to safeguard girls.
Suhakam then said real and effective action must reflect commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
It also cited Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits gender discrimination.
Protection must cover physical and sexual violence, public exposure, online shaming and the escalating threat of femicide.
“Protecting children’s rights means protecting their identities, safety and dignity, offline and online,” it said.
“Every girl has the right to live free from gender based violence, including femicide, and to grow in environments that uphold equality, autonomy and respect,” added Suhakam.
Suhakam proposed five immediate measures for the government and authorities to ensure comprehensive protection.
It called for coordinated national data on gender based and child targeted violence, including femicide, to inform evidence based and gender responsive policies.
Suhakam then urged the relevant ministries, including the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Education Ministry and police, to appoint gender and child protection focal points.
The aim is to ensure timely, survivor centred and trauma informed responses.
“All schools must be safe and inclusive through stronger anti bullying and anti harassment policies and enforcement,” it said.
It called for confidential reporting mechanisms and comprehensive education on gender equality, respect and consent.
Suhakam urged the media and public to uphold ethics by not publishing or circulating material that could identify children in criminal or sensitive cases.
It highlighted Malaysia’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Gender Equality and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
These commitments require urgent and coordinated action so girls and all children live free from violence, discrimination and exploitation.
