KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 – “School should be a starting point for children with disabilities and without disabilities to learn together so we have an inclusive society for all” said 12-year-old Justin Choy, a blind student from Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang in his speech during the World Children’s Day event at the Malaysian Parliament on World Children’s Day. November 20, 2023.
Every year, November 20 commemorates the birth of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989.
The convention recognises children as individuals with their own rights and asserts that childhood is a special, protected time for children to grow, learn, play, and develop with dignity. Malaysia acceded to the CRC in 1995, albeit with reservations.
“The Parliament of Malaysia is committed to ensure that children’s rights are protected. Thus, I congratulate UNICEF for collaborating with the Parliament of Malaysia in organising the Picture My Rights exhibition to educate and celebrate the voices of children.
“I would also like to congratulate the winners of the Picture My Rights award in the Picture My Rights virtual launch ceremony. In giving voice to the youth, the Parliament of Malaysia shall launch the Youth Parliament (Parlimen Belia), which will elect youths from the age of 16.
By next year, we will be organising Parlimen Belia with 222 youth representatives who will be sitting and discussing national issues,” said Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat during his keynote speech.
Recent statistics indicate there are more than nine million children living in Malaysia. Article 13 of the CRC upholds children’s right to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.
The World Children’s Day event supports children as advocates for their own rights by bringing their voices to Parliament.
“Where there are children, there is hope. In the midst of the many problems affecting children today, we want to focus on the transformative power of children and young people to bring about positive change.
“When children actively participate, they can lead the way in creating a better world for all,” said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia.
The Voices of Children event at Parliament included a special proclamation by the Speaker, speeches by children, and an exhibition on children’s rights as captured by the Picture My Rights photo competition.
The speeches by children reflected their desire to grow up in a more inclusive society, and for practical climate action to build a sustainable future.
The Picture My Rights competition invites young people to express their views about children’s rights and issues that matter to them through the medium of a photo. Over 300 photos were received from children and young people across Malaysia.
