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Sagah: Kids should be made aware of rights under UN Convention on Rights of the Child

Fact Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

SERIAN (Aug 20): Children should be appropriately educated about their rights according to the United Nations (UN)’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), says Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

The Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) observes that many underage individuals in the country do not understand their rights as per advocated by UN.

“I believe they (the children) do not know the rights are also in the laws of our own country because of lack of exposure,” he said when met by reporters after launching the ‘Children Advocacy Programme’ conducted by the Welfare Department (JKM ) at SMK Tun Abdul Razak here yesterday.

The Tarat assemblyman praised the programme, highlighting how it empowered students, particularly the younger generation, by making them aware of their rights.

He emphasized that children rely on their parents for their upbringing, in view of the latter being their guardians and the ones responsible for their care and well-being.

“Charity begins at home. The home is the place where you have to tell them about their rights.

“Perhaps, some parents don’t even know about these rights.

“I’m not saying they don’t know, but it is a good start by the ministry so that it becomes general knowledge for everybody,” he said.

Meanwhile, JKM Sarawak director Semawi Mohamad said the department was emphasizing several matters regarding its role in child protection in Serian.

“From the beginning of 2024 until August 2024, 27 cases involving children would be recorded. From 2022 to 2024, a total of 83 cases involving children were recorded.

“These cases include children in need of care and protection, children requiring immediate protection, uncontrollable children, children involved in crime, and children who are pregnant out of wedlock,” said Semawi in a speech read out by JKM Serian District officer Robert Jullong Begat .

According to Semawi, the Child Protection Unit (UPKK) under JKM at the divisional level operates under various acts, such as the Children’s Act 2001, to ensure the protection and welfare of children are guaranteed from dangers such as abuse, torture and exploitation.

“Emphasis is also placed on the physical, emotional, social and mental development of children to ensure they grow up as visionary future generations and leaders.

“It also includes children under the age of 18 who require care, protection and rehabilitation according to the definition of the Children’s Act 2001.

“This includes fulfilling international commitments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1994.”

Semawi said the Child Welfare Team (PKKK) and the Child Protection Team (PPKK) under JKM were always ready to coordinate local services for families and children.

The program yesterday involved the participation of 325 individuals, including children, teachers, parents and members of the local community.

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