Press Release: In support of children’s rights to housing, education and play

10 December 2009 marks the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Human Rights Committee (HRC) of the Bar Council commemorates this anniversary annually through an activity. This year, the HRC has decided to organise a fund-raising charity dinner to raise funds for seven children’s homes under the theme “OUR CHILDREN. OUR HOPE. OUR FUTURE”.

1989 was a significant year for children’s rights. On 20 November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession, by virtue of Resolution 44/25, the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). This is a landmark international agreement setting out the rights of children all over the world, and the responsibilities of governments throughout the world to promote and protect the rights of children. It covers both civil and political rights, and, equally importantly, the economic, social and cultural rights of children. This includes the right to be brought up in an environment of safety and security, the right to health, the right to education, and the right to playtime and leisure.

2009 therefore marks the 20th anniversary of the CRC. It is also close to the 15th anniversary of Malaysia’s accession to the CRC. Malaysia acceded to the CRC on 17 February 1995, albeit with reservations.

The Malaysian Bar Council is a leading advocate and proponent of human rights in Malaysia. Our work covers both the rights of adults as well as children. We articulate civil and political rights – such as freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of religion – that are important to both adults and children. But on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the CRC, we are also highlighting the economic, social and cultural rights of children.

We have chosen to highlight the plight of the children living in these seven homes because not enough is being done to alleviate the situation of marginalised children in our country. Malaysia has made great strides in educating and caring for children in this country. But more can still be done, especially for children in homes, orphanages and shelters. Even as we strive to provide the best of educational opportunities and facilities for our own children, we need to stop and spare a thought for those much less fortunate than ourselves. Their basic need for a roof over their heads, food on the table and clothes on their backs cannot be taken for granted. While some of these children are able to go to school, others only receive rudimentary and sporadic education. Children need room to grow, space to play, and the means to enjoy their childhood.

No child, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or economic or immigration status, should be left behind. We cannot afford to say that we will help them only when we and our own have been adequately taken care of. Our common humanity demands no less.

We also call on the Government of Malaysia to withdraw the remaining reservations and to embrace the CRC and its two Optional Protocols in their entirety.


Ragunath Kesavan
President
Malaysian Bar

1 December 2009