PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia continues to intensify its efforts to protect and uphold children’s rights at the international level in line with global standards, through a range of policy initiatives, legislative measures and comprehensive support programmes.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, in a statement, said the commitment was reaffirmed through the country’s participation in the 100th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
In the same statement, Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) said Malaysia’s participation in the dialogue session reflected the government’s determination to strengthen the global agenda on the protection and well-being of children, Bernama reported.
She said that among the measures undertaken by the government were the establishment of the Child Development Department, the implementation of legal reforms related to child protection, as well as the enhancement of policies and support programmes focused on the best interests of children.
“This effort aims to ensure that every child in Malaysia receives comprehensive protection, has access to quality basic services, and grows up in a safe environment that supports optimal development.”
Nancy also described Malaysia’s participation in the session as a historic achievement, noting that the country last took part in 2007.
“It is also the first participation led by a minister, thus reflecting an elevated level of the government’s political commitment in addressing issues related to children’s rights and welfare,” she said.
During the dialogue session, the CRC Committee commended Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection and welfare, while also submitting several proposals for improvement for the country’s consideration and implementation.
The CRC is one of the principal human rights instruments under the United Nations, comprising 54 articles that cover various aspects of children’s rights, protection and development.
As a state party to the convention, Malaysia is obliged to submit periodic reports to the CRC Committee on the progress and status of children’s rights, according to the statement.
The CRC dialogue session is being held in Geneva on Jan 22 and 23, with the Malaysian delegation also comprising the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, as well as representatives from several other ministries.
