UNICEF Malaysia says no to violence against children
Malaysian society called upon to protect children from all forms of violence, including abuse, neglect and exploitation
Speaking at a forum titled "Cherish our children - stop violence now!" organised to commemorate the global launch of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Report on Violence Against Children, Gaye Phillips, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Singapore and Brunei, said that violence has no place in children’s lives. “Violence against children is a violation against their human rights. It is unacceptable and can never be justified whether for disciplinary reasons or cultural tradition. Legalised violence against children in one context risks tolerance of violence against children generally. To ignore that it exists and to do nothing about it is harmful to the wellbeing of our children, and to the growth and development of our communities and country,” she said.
“The best way to deal with violence against children is to stop it before it happens. Children are to be cherished and protected.” Gaye Phillips Violence against children is defined to include physical violence, psychological violence, discrimination, neglect and maltreatment. It ranges from physical, verbal and sexual abuse in the home to humiliating punishment and bullying at school; as well as from abuse and neglect in institutions to gang warfare on the streets where children play or work. Expert speakers Close to 100 representatives from Government, civil society, faith-based organisations, the private sector and the media attended the forum. Datin Rose Ismail, a well known former newspaper editor moderated the lively discussion that followed the presentations by Malaysian child protection experts. The topics and forum speakers were: The UN Secretary-General’s study on violence against children Physical and sexual abuse against children – Why it must stop Psychosocial impact of violence against children The role of religious leaders in protecting children from violence Protecting children with special needs against violence According to Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Sham the consequences of violence may vary according to the nature and severity of the violence inflicted. "The short- and long-term repercussions for children are very often grave and damaging. The physical, emotional and psychological scars of physical and sexual abuse can have severe implications for a child’s development, health and ability to learn. Studies have shown that experiencing violence in childhood is strongly associated with health risk behaviours later in life such as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, physical inactivity and obesity." Multidisciplinary approach to end violence Phillips stressed that the challenge of ending violence against children requires a multidisciplinary approach combining strong responsive and preventive strategies which focus on the four “Ps”: Protection of children, Prevention of violence, Prosecution of criminals and Participation of children. She also highlighted recommendations put forward by the Secretary-General to end violence against children. These include:
“The best way to deal with violence against children is to stop it before it happens. Children are to be cherished and protected. Each of us has a role to play to bring an end to violence against children,” added Phillips. **** NOTE TO EDITORS: The United Nations Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children The five-year Study combines human rights, public health and child protection perspectives and focuses on five ‘settings’ where violence occurs: the home and family, schools and educational settings, institutions (care and judicial), the workplace, and the community. Governments and civil society were engaged in various regional consultations to determine the range and extent of violence against children. The Study is the first one by the United Nations to engage directly and consistently with children, underlining and reflecting children’s status as rights holders, and their right to express views on all matters that affect them and have their views given due weight. On 11 October 2006, Professor Pinheiro presented his independent report to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, at UNHQ in New York. The Secretary-General later in the same day launched his Report on Violence Against Children together with the UNICEF Executive Director. UNICEF Malaysia
Say No to Violence Against Children Video - Children Speak Out 12 October 2006: Broadcasters: Broadcast-quality video on demand from The Newsmarket Speeches Gaye Phillips Prof Datuk Dr. Mohd Sham Kassim Dr. Goh Chee Leong Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki Dato’ Dr. Narimah Awin Newsline 8 February 2007: 19 October 2006: 12 October 2006: Peer-counselling program in Malaysia mentors at-risk children 28 August 2006: 14 August 2006: 26 May 2006: More stories on violence against children Child Protection - Malaysia Millennium Development Goals |
VIDEO 
