Malaysia urgently needs an independent Children’s Commission

WE, the undersigned child advocates and civil society organisations for children, urge the Malaysian government to expeditiously establish an independent Children’s Commission that will promptly act on issues affecting children, as well as safeguard, uphold and promote child rights.

The Covid-19 pandemic that began in 2020 revealed serious and systemic gaps in the care and protection of children that have yet to be dealt with and resolved. A single Commissioner for Children under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) does not have the necessary time, authority, or resources to effectively address these gaps and guide the government on how to prioritise resource allocations to ensure the well-being of children.