ASEAN States Must Unite To Ensure Justice For Children – Azalina

KOTA TINGGI, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- ASEAN member states must dismantle barriers that prevent children from accessing justice and work together to guarantee their rights through stronger legal aid mechanisms, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“Justice must never be a privilege for the few, but a promise for all, especially our children. Too many barriers still stand in their way – distance, cost, lack of awareness. Thus, legal aid must act as the bridge that ensures no child is left unheard, unprotected, or unrepresented,” she said when opening the inaugural 2025 ASEAN Convention on Legal Aid for Children (ACLAC) at the Desaru Coast Conference Centre today.

She said the gathering was not merely a conference but a commitment to protect, empower and uphold the dignity of every child in the region.

Azalina highlighted that Malaysia had taken a significant step when Parliament passed the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025 in August. 

The new law guarantees that all children in criminal cases receive proper defence, extends legal aid to every child regardless of nationality, and introduces public defence services under the Legal Aid Department for the first time.

Azalina noted that while ASEAN countries had introduced innovative measures such as mobile legal clinics, juvenile courts and pro bono networks, gaps in child access to justice remained.

“Therefore, this convention is key to sharing best practices, strengthening cross-border cooperation and building a regional framework for child-friendly legal aid. Let us move from dialogue to action: set ASEAN-wide standards, train legal professionals, create safe legal spaces, and spread legal literacy among families,” she said.

The three-day convention from Sept 7 to 9, organised by the Legal Aid Department (JBG) of the Prime Minister's Department, is part of the programmes under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, themed Inclusivity and Sustainability.

It features discussions on legal aid for children in civil, criminal and syariah cases, international and national perspectives on child-related legal issues, as well as strategies to expand access to justice and integrate ASEAN legal aid initiatives into national frameworks.

Seven countries — Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Vietnam —are participating in the convention, with 16 delegates presenting papers on mechanisms, experiences and ideas regarding child legal aid. 

Malaysia’s representation includes both government and non-governmental agencies, with discussions covering children facing criminal charges, child victims of crime, children as court witnesses, and other matters relating to children’s rights.

Key outcomes are expected to include tangible measures to enhance regional cooperation and the establishment of common standards to strengthen protection for children across ASEAN member states.

-- BERNAMA