CHAPTER 3 - REPORT OF THE LAW REFORM AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES WORKING GROUP As a follow-up, in February, the Commission sent a ‘Justification Paper to Ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW’ to the MWFCD for further deliberation. In July, the Commission received an invitation from the Ministry’s Policy Division to a meeting. It was held to gather views and opinions from various agencies so that the Ministry can prepare a Cabinet paper for ratification of the OP. The Commission strongly recommended the ratification of the OP as it will enhance the implementation of CEDAW which Malaysia ratified in 1995. The Commission continues to spearhead progress towards the development of women’s potential, particularly by giving due consideration to compliance by Malaysia in implementing the recommendations of the CEDAW Committee. The remaining reservations will be monitored and reviewed by the Commission from time to time. 2. MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (CRC) (a) Removal of Reservations The Commission monitors implementation of the CRC to ensure that children enjoy all the rights stipulated. The Commission has concerns about the reservations maintained on the CRC, as these may hinder policy and legal reforms based on the principles entrenched in the Convention. The Commission welcomes the Government’s move to remove the reservations to Articles 1, 13, 15 of the CRC, as it is a major step in the advancement of children’s rights in Malaysia. The Commission hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to remove the reservations to Articles 2, 7, 14, 28(1)(A) and 37, for the realisation of all the objectives of the CRC – to ensure the full enjoyment by children of their rights to survival, protection, development and participation. (b) Optional Protocol to the CRC on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography Pursuant to its recommendation to ratify this Optional Protocol (OP), the Commission submitted a paper outlining its justifications to the MWFCD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Commission is of the view that the essence of the OP is already embedded in the CRC to which no reservations have been made. Therefore, the ratification of the OP will only reinforce the relevant Articles under the CRC regarding child sexual exploitation. 50