PUTRAJAYA, Sept 12: UNICEF or the United Nations Children’s Fund says it 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, said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia.
The damage caused is serious and often results in lifelong consequences, he said in a statement.
“We commend the Royal Malaysia 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 Government in protecting children deprived of parental care and preventing unnecessary family-child separation.”
Glass said it was 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, he stressed.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, it works for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. Information about UNICEF and its work in Malaysia is available at www.unicef.org/malaysia or contact Rachel Choong (012 293 2690 or rchoong@unicef.org).
WE