KUALA LUMPUR: The Children's Commissioner has urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to ensure that all children, regardless of their legal status, have access to education in public schools.
Children's Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki has expressed concern over the Education Ministry's enrolment requirement for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The requirement stipulates that only Malaysian children born between Jan 2, 2017 and Jan 1, 2018 are eligible to apply for enrolment.
"The new requirement implies that non-Malaysian children are excluded from this right.
"This decision contradicts the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which guarantees the right to education for all children, regardless of their legal status or nationality," she said in a statement today.
Farah said the decision by the ministry countered its aspiration for all children in the country to have access to education, as outlined in the 2018 Circular No 3.
"Access to education is a basic human right and essential for building inclusive societies, promoting peace and achieving sustainable development.
"The commissioner also invites civil society organisations, the private sector and individuals to join in advocating for the rights of stateless children and promoting their access to education. Together, we can create a better future for all children," she said.