Unicef lauds proposed laws against child sex crimes

PETALING The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef ) has joined the chorus of organisations hailing the new laws being proposed to combat child sexual crimes in Malaysia.

A draft of the Child Sexual Crimes Bill was presented by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to the government’s sexual crimes task force on Tuesday, and it included wide-ranging laws to protect children from sexual exploitation.

“(The draft) is another step forward for child rights in Malaysia,” said Unicef representative in Malaysia Marianne ClarkHattingh.

“It reflects the commitment of the Government and its partners to strengthen the criminal justice system in response to the horrific cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation that have emerged over the past years.”

The draft bill includes proposals to have judges and prosecutors that specialise in child sexual crime cases, in order to minimise the trauma experienced by child victims.

Clark-Hattingh also lauded the task force’s inclusion of laws against online sexual exploitation, particularly the practice of “grooming”, which has become a worrying trend as the country’s digital footprint increases.

Unicef has been pushing for more awareness on online child sexual exploitation, through its #ReplyForAll campaign as well as its support of R.AGE’s Predator In My Phone undercover documentary series.

Unicef was quick to emphasise that new laws alone will not be enough to combat child sexual exploitation.

“Also needed are mechanisms to implement and enforce such laws; and services to provide support to victims; and an environment that enables children to recognise and report sexual abuse when it happens,” said Clark-Hattingh.

She added that the country needed better education and awareness programmes on sexual and reproductive health.

R.AGE is launching a campaign on Oct 14 to encourage MPs to support the bill when Parliament convenes on Oct 17.

MPs and members of the public interested in supporting the campaign can follow the Predator In My Phone Facebook page (fb.com/ragepmp) or email alltherage@thestar. com.my