M'sia Inks Two Optional Protocol To Uphold Commitment On Welfare Of Children

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia today inked two optional protocols to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as a guideline to uphold commitment to protection and welfare of children. The optional protocol inked are "Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography" plus "Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict". Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said CRC was adopted at the United Nations General Assembly on Nov 20, 1989 and Malaysia had ratified the CRC on Feb 17, 1995. "In general, CRC gives focus to children's survival, development), protection and participation. In International law and international relationship, optional protocol is an additional agreement or international understanding to the previous acceptance," she told reporters after signing the instrument and Malaysia's participation in the protocol here Monday. Shahrizat said thus far, 154 countries had signed the ratification of the "Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography", while 146 had ratified "Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict". Shahrizat said various programmes had been planned by the ministry and would be implemented soon. -- BERNAMA