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The 9th ASEAN Children’s Forum (9th ACF), which brought together child representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), found that besides the government, parents, teachers, the private sector, civil society organizations, the media, and peers all share an unshirkable responsibility in creating a safe environment for children.
In a statement released today, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development pointed out that during discussions on the topic of child protection, the forum affirmed the influence that people from all walks of life have on children.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Lim Hui Ying, who presided over the closing ceremony of the forum, stated that children are important partners in shaping ASEAN. Thus, the views expressed by the child representatives also reflect their personal experiences, aspirations, and expectations, and have contributed to the comprehensive development of the ASEAN community.
In addition to recognizing the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, the private sector, civil society organizations, the media, and peers in creating a safe environment for children, the participating representatives also committed to supporting children, and dedicated themselves to cultivating attitudes of care and mutual respect in addressing the issue of violence against children.
Moreover, the forum’s participants also put forward suggestions to ASEAN stakeholders on child protection in four major environments: family, school, cyberspace, and community. The key recommendations include urging ASEAN Member States to improve legislation to strengthen child protection, diversify child-friendly reporting channels, implement anti-bullying policies, expand psychosocial support, and provide inclusive services for children in vulnerable situations.
Lim Hui Ying said that hosting the 9th ASEAN Children’s Forum reflects ASEAN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the protection, education, and empowerment of children, and to ensuring that no child is left behind in regional development.
In light of this, she called on decision-makers, government agencies, ASEAN sectoral bodies, and strategic partners to thoroughly study the recommendations put forward during the forum and, where appropriate, translate them into policies, programs, and initiatives at the national and regional levels.