Malaysia Strengthens Commitment To Protect Children's Rights At International Level - KPWKM

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- 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 Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), 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 (UN) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

In the same statement, its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri 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.

She said that, among the measures undertaken by the government, were the establishment of the Department of Child Development, 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 which supports optimal development,” she said.

Nancy also described Malaysia’s participation in the CRC session as a historic achievement, noting that the country last took part in the session 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 Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the principal human rights instruments under the United Nations, comprising 54 articles which 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 in the country, according to the statement.

The CRC dialogue session is being held in Geneva on Jan 22 and 23, 2026, with the Malaysian delegation also comprising KPWKM secretary-general, Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, as well as representatives from several other ministries.

-- BERNAMA