Child Advocates Speak Out on Child Protection

Close to 70 trained child advocates between the ages of 10 and 17 gathered today for discussions on child protection and safety at the first-of-its-kind ‘Children for Child Protection Forum and Exhibition 2012’ themed “Be the Change. Speak Up”.

The two-day programme, organised in conjunction with Universal Children's Day, broke new ground in Malaysia by empowering and engaging girls and boys from diverse backgrounds to share their views on a subject that touched many of them on a personal level with an audience of about 500 participants (both children and adults).

With child protection continuing to be a growing concern not just in Malaysia but in many parts of the developing world, the young advocates represented a driving force for change as they spoke about the importance of involving children in child protection issues, and speaking up and taking action as children to keep themselves safe.

Targeted at empowering and inspiring other children to know and stand up for their rights, the programme is a result of a collaboration between Childline Malaysia, Sime Darby Berhad, UNICEF Malaysia and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia.

Sabri Rahman, Chairman of Childline Malaysia, said “Today’s event is unique because it is for children, by children. Many a times, when it comes to child rights and protection issues, like abuse and violence, children are not heard. It has been an inspiring journey working with the advocates, and we have learnt a lot from them. We hope our young advocates can make a real difference among their peers, community and country.”
In 2011, Childline 15999, the 24-hour helpline, received 4,564 calls nationwide. Of those, 1,597 were related to abuse and violence, making it the second highest reason why children contact Childline.

Child protection issues extend beyond just abuse and violence. Internet safety and being safe in a relationship were amongst the top 5 concerns raised by the child advocates, highlighting the demand for a multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary approach to child protection. Other topics of concern to children are safety at home, bullying and emotional abuse.

Sabri added, “There is a dire need for more concerted efforts as we all have a role to play. When you combine the successful collaborations between key stakeholders, including policy makers and corporate citizens, with initiatives that are driven by children, parents and communities, the collective force can effect long-term change in child protection.”

As the private sector partner in the programme, Sime Darby is committed to making a positive impact for child protection. The Company was the first corporation in Malaysia to develop its own Child Protection Policy (CPP) and is steadily implementing its Child Protection Policy Programme across its business divisions.

In line with the UN Children’s Rights and Business Principles, Sime Darby is committed to ensure the protection and safety of children in all its business activities. In addition, to reinforce community efforts to protect children’s rights, specially developed camps are organised during school holidays to engage and empower children of its employees to protect themselves from harm, abuse and violence. The children are engaged and educated on issues such as positive peer relationships, sexual reproductive health and safety in the environment.

Sime Darby’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif, said, “We believe that children are important members of society. In fact, 40% of the Malaysian population is made up of those below 18 years of age. Children have a voice, they have hopes and aspirations just like everyone else."

“Often, we have conferences where adults discuss with other adults strategies to keep children safe. This time, we're turning things on its head. We're giving the children the opportunity to speak up and truly make a difference. To share and tell us what concerns them and what their needs are. Given the correct platform, one would be surprised at what one will find. The children of today are not only clear about what they want in terms of child protection, they also have sound ideas on what is needed for us to get there.”

Nadiah added, "In the end, the aspiration for this Forum and Exhibition is for more children to be aware of their rights, the programmes and help that are available, and for them to be engaged and empowered to take safety into their own hands. Safety is everyone's responsibility and we want the children to know 'Safety starts with me'."

UNICEF Representative to Malaysia, Wivina Belmonte said, “Bullying may not always leave physical bruises, but it almost always leaves scars, emotional ones. At this conference, children are the leaders and role models. And that's hugely empowering for each and every participant, but adults have a role to play as well. When we think of bullying, we often think it is about what children do to one another. Bullying however is about adults too, how they behave, and what children learn from watching them. Adults are role models through their words and their deeds.”

“As adults, we need to be models of altruism, compassion and care so children will emulate such behaviours. When we treat others with kindness, respect and patience, children will follow this example. We can encourage children to be agents of change by empowering them to stand up against violence. When children know how to respond to negative attitudes and behaviours they witness, they can help promote respect in their communities,” Mrs Belmonte added.

As part of the Forum, a series of workshops were conducted where children and adults discussed key issues. The Exhibition was open to the public and featured presentations and performances led by child advocates, videos, as well as booths with interactive games to help children learn about child protection.

This forum and exhibition were also supported by programme partners Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, PNB Darby Park, Switchbox Developments (M) Sdn Bhd and Havas Worldwide Kuala Lumpur.