KPWKM examines 159 UNCRC recommendations to strengthen child protection and legal reforms under the Child Act 2001.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is undertaking a review of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), guided by 159 recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the Concluding Observations contain recommendations on a range of issues, including legal reforms, enhanced protection against abuse, and more effective implementation of children’s rights.
“The UNCRC’s recommendations relating to the legal framework and the implementation of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611) will be scrutinised and factored into the ministry’s ongoing review.
“This includes enhancements designed to strengthen children’s protection, care, rehabilitation, participation and wellbeing, in accordance with the principle of the best interests of the child,” she said during the Dewan Negara’s oral question and answer session today.
She was replying to Senator Pele Peter Tinggom’s question on amendments to the Child Act 2001 to ensure the protection of children’s rights keeps pace with current requirements, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and global best practices.
Nancy said the review of Act 611 would adopt a multi-agency approach, with input and cooperation from various ministries and relevant agencies, rather than being handled solely by KPWKM.
“KPWKM will examine recommendations under the Child Act 2001 on child protection and reporting mechanisms, children’s court procedures, family and community care, rehabilitation and follow-up support, and the roles of parents, guardians and relevant agencies,” she said.
According to Nancy, the review will also consider measures to define the functions and authority of stakeholders involved in child case management, strengthen cross-agency collaboration and improve the responsiveness of interventions and services for children.
