Press

19 November is World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse

MEDIA ADVISORY

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 November 2006 - Violence against children is a Human Rights violation. Yet, it occurs globally disregarding boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. Violence against children takes place in the home, schools and educational settings, institutions, the workplace and community itself.

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development reported 934 child abuse cases in 2000. Within a span of five years, the number of reported cases almost doubled to 1,800 in 2005. International experience however suggests that this may represent only the tip of the iceberg. The Ministry’s statistics reveal that neglect and child sexual abuse cases remain the primary form of violence against children in Malaysia with underlying causes relating to family disagreements, alcoholism, addiction and gambling.

According to Gaye Phillips, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Singapore and Brunei, there can be no compromise in challenging violence against children. “Children’s uniqueness – their human potential, their initial fragility and vulnerability, their dependence on adults for their growth and development – make an unassailable case for more, not less, investment in prevention and protection from violence”.

On 11 October 2006, the UN Secretary-General launched his Report on Violence Against Children. UNICEF invites your media agency to make use of the recommendations from this Report for World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse to produce articles and programs that will:

Mobilise organisations and civil society as a whole to advocate for better prevention policies;
Remind leaders of their promises made to the children at the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children (2002);
Share the concerns that young people have about violence against children; and,
Raise awareness to create a culture of prevention of violence against children in Malaysia.

The World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse reminds us of the importance of acting now to respond to children's plight. As long as child abuse and violence continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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For more information, please contact UNICEF Malaysia's Communication Officer, Indra Nadchatram:

(+6.03) 2095 9157 ● 013 366 3452 ● inadchatram@unicef.org