FROM CLASSROOMS TO CLIMATE FRONTS: UNICEF CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

By Nabilah Saleh

PUTRAJAYA, May 6 (Bernama) -- In parts of East Asia and the Pacific, the childhood experience is shifting in ways that should challenge every policymaker. 

Where once the greatest challenge was a classroom overcrowding, or lack of access to clean water, today's threats are more complex; climate disasters strike multiple times a year, child labour persists as families struggle with economic uncertainty, and online spaces have become new danger zones.

But amid these compounding challenges, strong examples of national leadership exist. 

Malaysia, for instance, has emerged as a regional reference point for education spending, child participation, legal reforms and youth-led climate initiatives.

Digital Dangers Still Loom

In an exclusive interview with Bernama International News Service recently, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi said the region is witnessing "a convergence of crises" that demand urgent, collective action, while also pointing to countries like Malaysia as evidence of what political will and inclusive planning can achieve.

She praised Malaysia for introducing recent legal amendments criminalising livestreamed child sexual abuse and online extortion.

“Malaysia is hosting the fourth ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection. It’s such an important area, and we thank Malaysia for taking the lead.

“The growth of AI and digital platforms, however, is still exposing children to online harassment, abuse and exploitation,” said Kunugi, referring to UNICEF’s involvement in drafting the ASEAN Declaration and Plan of Action on Child Online Protection. 

While it was the first of its kind in the region, she noted that the implementation is lagging.

She said governments must ensure their education and child protection systems are up to speed. 

The justice system, too, must evolve, she added, so that survivors are not retraumatised by the process.

“Governments must involve ministries of education, the private sector, and most importantly, young people to make this work.

“Some countries are now using video-linked testimonies and trained interviewers to reduce trauma for child survivors. This is progress, but more is needed,” she urged.

Climate Threats, Mental Health and Safe Recovery

Climate change, however, remains a rising threat, particularly for children.

According to Kunugi, two out of every three children in the region experience at least four major climate events annually.

“All the scientific projections are showing that disasters -- typhoons, floods, and heatwaves -- will only increase in frequency and severity. We must invest not only in mitigation but also in climate-resilient services,” she said.

UNICEF is working with partners to support solar-powered health centres, flood-resistant schools, and improved vaccine storage systems.

Kunugi pointed to the post-disaster recovery in Vietnam following Super Typhoon Yagi, which struck northern parts of the country in September last year, as a stark reminder of the prolonged impact of climate events on children.

The typhoon affected over 5.5 million children and damaged infrastructure across 26 provinces.

“Some schools in Vietnam won’t be rebuilt until spring this year. That’s a long time for a child to be out of school,” she said.

But beyond physical rebuilding, Kunugi underscored the importance of addressing children’s mental health in the aftermath of such crises.

“Trauma is very real, even among our own staff,” she said, sharing that a colleague’s child required counselling after the recent earthquake in Bangkok.

To support emotional recovery, UNICEF promotes the establishment of child-friendly spaces in disaster-hit areas -- safe hubs where children can access hygiene facilities, psychosocial support, and a return to structured routines.

“Especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments, these spaces are critical for recovery,” she noted.

Youth-Led Solutions Offer Hope

Kunugi spoke highly of Malaysia’s inclusive governance models and highlighted the Youth Environment Living Labs (YELL) initiative as a standout example of youth engagement.

YELL, a joint programme by UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam and UNICEF Malaysia, in collaboration with Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM) and the European Union (EU), aims to empower young Malaysians to take the lead on climate action.

Launched in 2022, the initiative focuses on capacity building, evidence-based advocacy, and providing work exposure and skills development to nurture a new generation of environmental leaders.

“They funded over 100 youth-led climate projects and trained young leaders in green skills… more than five million young people and community members have been mobilised. That’s very impressive, considering Malaysia’s population,” said Kunugi.

She added that Malaysia has also demonstrated strong political will to encourage youth voices through formal platforms.

“Malaysia has many great examples of involving children -- even in Parliament. There’s a Youth Parliament now, and we’re hoping there may be a children’s one too, to raise awareness from a younger age.”

Turning to urban inclusion efforts, Kunugi said UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) is another tool that enables young people to participate in shaping their communities.

Following Petaling Jaya's recognition as the first UNICEF Child-Friendly City in October 2023, Penang Island signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF Malaysia in February 2025 to implement the initiative.

“In China alone, 93 cities are part of this initiative. It’s not just about safety — it’s about planning for the future,” she said, noting that in Sarawak, five municipalities, including Kuching South and Miri, have also adopted the CFCI framework in partnership with UNICEF.

Education Recovery and the Promise of AI

Kunugi then shifted the focus to the widening disparities in learning outcomes, which remain a top concern post-pandemic.

She said UNICEF has rolled out accelerated learning models, structured teaching, and mentoring to help children regain lost ground.

“Half of the children aged 10 or younger in middle and lower-middle income countries in the region can’t read a simple sentence. It’s not just about reopening schools -- it’s about making sure learning is happening,” she said.

Kunugi also shared that UNICEF is cautiously exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to support learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts.

“We’ve developed a new AI strategy and are piloting tools to improve services for children -- safely and ethically,” she said, noting that Malaysia’s multilingual AI learning platform and dropout risk-detection system are being closely observed as a model for the region.

On a similar note, Kunugi acknowledged Malaysia’s long-term commitment to education investment. 

“Malaysia is doing well; you’ve already met or exceeded the 15 per cent national budget target for education. Credit and thank you to Malaysia for setting such a good example.”

Kunugi also emphasised that children shouldn’t be viewed merely as vulnerable, but recognised as powerful agents of change.

“Children in this region are not only vulnerable -- they are ready to act. We must involve them, equip them, and ensure they are protected at every step,” she said.

-- BERNAMA