Malaysian stamps pay tribute to children and their rights
By Indra Kumari Nadchatram KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2009 – In a special tribute to children across the world, Malaysia’s postal service, Pos Malaysia, has dedicated its 2009 Caring Society stamp set to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Designed by TBWA\TEQUILA Malaysia, the five stamps also honor the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its role in protecting children and their right to survival, development and protection. Child rights immortalised
Children’s rights were immortalised twenty years ago when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on 20 November 1989. The legally-binding treaty calls on all sectors of society to work together to protect childhood for children so they may become productive members of society. “The Convention was created to uphold the most basic rights of children, such as their right to an identity, healthcare, education and safety,” affirmed UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Mr. Youssouf Oomar. “These child rights stamps are a lasting reminder to all of us to never forget this promise to children.” The landscape for children in Malaysia has seen several transformations since the country’s ratification of the Convention in 1995. Amongst others, the Government introduced the Child Act in 2001 to strengthen the protective environment for children, while primary education was made compulsory in 2002 resulting in more than 90 per cent of children today completing their basic six years of education. Recording history for children The Caring Society child rights postage comes in a set of four 30 sens stamps, each featuring a child’s right to food, education, play and protection, while the RM 1 stamp highlights the Convention on the Right of the Child. The RM 1 stamp also includes a Braille feature to recognise that children’s rights belong equally to all children, including children living with disabilities. All five stamps carry the UNICEF logo. TBWA\TEQUILA Malaysia Art Director Jann Lim, who designed the postage set, described stamps as more than just a small piece of paper. “Stamps are works of art that tell stories and record history, while connecting people from all communities” said Jann. “These child rights stamps not only commemorates twenty years of children’s rights, it also aims to inspire people across lands to embrace all children and to respect their rights”. The Caring Society child rights stamps will be available at all Pos Malaysia outlets nationwide from 9 October for a limited period. First day covers bearing the cancellation mark “Kanak-kanak mempunyai hak” (children have rights) will also be available only on the date of issue. For further information, log on to www.pos.com.my. Alternatively, please call (603) 2275 6569 / 6567 / 6656 or e-mail to filateli@pos.com.my for enquiries.
CRC@20 Child Rights Official Site  Celebrating 20 years of children's rights  Child Rights Stamps Child Rights Stamps Partners
Publication: CRC  UNICEF Malaysia: Promoting child rights through the law in Malaysia, 2008. |
