ACF: ASEAN Urged To Strengthen Child Protection Through Stronger Laws
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- ASEAN member states have been urged to strengthen child protection by enhancing legislation, introducing more child-friendly reporting channels and enforcing anti-bullying policies following recommendations put forward by participants at the 9th ASEAN Children’s Forum (ACF).
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said the recommendations presented by the participants reflected the real-life experiences, aspirations and hopes of children, and should therefore be given due consideration by policymakers at both the national and regional levels.
She said governments, ASEAN sectoral bodies and strategic partners should examine the recommendations and, where appropriate, translate them into concrete policies, programmes and initiatives.
“The views shared by the child participants reflect their lived experiences, aspirations and hopes, which also contribute to the building of a more inclusive ASEAN Community,” she said in a media statement in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the 9th ACF here today.
The hybrid forum brought together child participants from ASEAN member states to discuss issues related to violence against children, including physical, emotional, psychological and sexual violence.
Following consultations throughout the forum, participants put forward recommendations on child protection in four key settings, namely the home, schools, online and the community.
Among the key recommendations were strengthening child protection laws, expanding child-friendly reporting channels, enforcing anti-bullying policies, broadening psychosocial support and providing more inclusive services for children in vulnerable situations.
The forum also recognised the roles of parents, teachers, the private sector, civil society organisations, the media and peers in creating a safe environment for children.
At the same time, participants pledged to support one another and foster a culture of care and mutual respect as part of efforts to address violence against children.
-- BERNAMA
