UNICEF is deeply shocked and appalled by reports that 402 children in Malaysia have been subjected to exploitation, sexual abuse, and neglect at various welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
These children have experienced unimaginable horrors and will need long-term professional medical and psychosocial support. The damage caused is serious and often results in lifelong consequences.
We commend the Royal Malaysian Police and other national authorities for their action and coordination in rescuing these children.
We hope this action marks the end of their trauma and the beginning of their healing journey.
As long as children in Malaysia reside in unregulated institutional care settings, they will remain at heightened risk of suffering violence and abuse.
Children in institutional care need the support of qualified social workers who can monitor welfare homes effectively.
UNICEF stands ready to support the Malaysian government in protecting children deprived of parental care and preventing unnecessary family-child separation.
It is time to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards violence against children in all its forms. Every child has the right to grow up in a supportive family environment.
Robert Gass is the UNICEF Representative in Malaysia.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
