of child pornographic material. The Commission recommends that
specific provisions be enacted to criminalise paedophilic acts, as well
as the publication, possession, and distribution of child pornography.15
CHAPTER 1
(ii)
In relation to the age of marriage, the Commission reiterates its stand
that the age of marriage should be amended to 18 years for both
males and females. The Commission also stresses that ending child
marriage by 2030 is one of the targets set out in the SDGs, which
Malaysia has committed to supporting and implementing.16
Children in Detention
The Commission is fervent in its stand that children, regardless of
legal status or nationality, should not be placed in detention centers.
The Commission urges the Government to consider alternatives to
detention for children who are placed in detention centers.
(iii) Registration and Nationality of Children
The Commission recommends that there should be a standard
operating procedure to ensure that the registration process is simple
and easily accessible for children born in the following categories:
•
Children born of Malaysian parents;
•
Children born with one Malaysian parent;
•
Children who were born in Malaysia but have no personal
documents;
•
Children as divided by religious categories i.e. Muslim and NonMuslim children;
•
Children born to foreigners or non-nationals; and
•
Adopted children.
This will ensure that those children do not find difficulty in accessing
educational, medical, and other services that are essential for their
rights to be protected.
(iv) Lifting of Reservations to the CRC
The Commission strongly feels that with the lifting of the remaining
reservations, the Government will be making a pledge to ensure
that the rights of the child are fully protected and that all efforts will
be taken to ensure that domestic laws are in place to assist in the
realisation of those rights.
15 Ibid
16 Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Press Statement No.29 (20 November 2016): <http://www.suhakam.org.my/press-statementno-29-of-2016-universal-childrens-day/>
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