“LACK of power is a basic and universal characteristic of poverty. Poverty is not solely a lack of income, but rather characterised by a vicious cycle of discrimination, exclusion, powerlessness, stigmatisation and material deprivation, which all mutually reinforce each other.” – Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona (2013).

“Empowerment happens when individuals and organised groups are able to imagine their world differently and realise that vision by changing the relations of power that have kept them in poverty, restricted their voice and deprived them of their autonomy.”

I spoke about the role of civil society and non-governmental organisations in providing community-based and community-led approaches to tackle children rights and protection of some of the poorest, marginalised children in Malaysia at the Hasanah Forum 2021 on Wednesday.

It was also International Children’s Day.

I was asked to comment on the role of the government, special interest groups, institutions and society in addressing the issues. The speech was supposed to be only two or three paragraphs, but I wrote an entire page. I have a lot to say.

The poorest communities in any region tend to be minority and marginalised communities, who have been rendered invisible or whose needs are negated. They must fight for basic necessities as they are targets of long-standing exclusion, discrimination and, sometimes, violence.

Child poverty within marginalised communities must be viewed as both a cause and manifestation of the diminished opportunities, rights and social advancement available to other children in Malaysia. The government, civil society organisations (CSOs), special interest groups, institutions and society at large have a role to play in ensuring everyone contributes to society and prospers, and no one gets left behind.

Many marginalised children are facing a dire situation often exacerbated by complex factors. Their life opportunities are circumscribed by discrimination and inequality. They are denied equal access to quality education, and have limited access to education, health and jobs due to racist and xenophobic notions, deliberately spread far and wide.

Without quality education, children are at greater risk of poverty, stigmatisation and violence. For the marginalised, access to good education can mean a difference between a lifetime of exclusion and becoming an active member of society. Education also opens up access to decent jobs and living wages, and healthy and sustainable livelihoods.

The same can be said for health. In fact, if you are hungry or sick, or both, you cannot go to school. And I can say the same for all social protection pillars affecting children.

Recourse to justice institutions is often a distant possibility when children rights are violated. Are we interested in providing justice for all children in Malaysia? I sadly say no, not right now, but we can change things.

Please, listen to children and put yourselves in their shoes. We almost never ask children what happens when they are excluded or want to see the horror of the impacts of not having food; access to clean water, shelter, education, health and mental health services; and, being separated from family or thrown in detention. Please take notice.

Holistic and sustained approaches that recognize them as individuals are needed to address the rights of all children in Malaysia.

Such approaches must start by understanding the impact of discrimination on minorities and effective methods to achieve equality. Why is wanting equality and to be fairly treated such a horrible notion in this country? We are talking about children here – ones in whom we are supposed to invest. The human development of every societal sector will benefit all and promote prosperity and stability for all.

Unfortunately, it starts with the government and policy makers. Please, let us not let politics rule the day when it comes to protecting and nurturing children in Malaysia.

The government needs to understand that protecting all children empowers everyone in Malaysia and benefits everyone living in Malaysia. Educated children are empowered and will ensure economic growth in future. There are cases and researches that demonstrate allowing migrants, refugees, and stateless children and youth access to education reduces poverty, instils dignity and provides a track for upward social mobility.

There are more pros than cons in educating children or allowing them access to health and basic protection services, too. The government’s main role should be to deliver inclusive, pro-poor growth and setting up more inclusive, long-term, far-sighted visions of a better nation for all children.

The role of institutions is to implement the rule of law regarding child protection services and provisions. Not “pick and choose” or discriminate against children.

The Child Act, United Nation conventions and international treaties protecting the rights and extending the services to all children, must supersede any other national law and policy infringing on the rights of any child in Malaysia.

The role of special interest groups or corporates is to serve the communities for whom they lobby or are invested in to ensure no one gets left behind. Find ways to ensure resources are shared among all children they identify and service to enforce inclusion of all. And find ways to lend their voices and speak up when policies discriminate or exclude children.

The society must hold government, corporates, lobbyists, CSOs and NGOs accountable at all times to amplify the voices of marginalised children and communities, educate themselves, the government and special interest groups to do better, and support those who speak up and try to implement change.

You do not lose anything by helping others. Never. We only grow richer and stronger when we share, let alone invest in the welfare and protection of all children. – November 19, 2021.

* Hartini Zainudin reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.