Deadline: 20-Oct-2025
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is implementing a comprehensive child protection initiative across several regions in Malaysia, including Pulau Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
This programme focuses on ensuring that refugee children at risk have access to timely and high-quality child protection services, while also strengthening national and community-based child protection systems. By addressing the needs of children facing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and family separation, the initiative aims to create safer, more protective environments that foster resilience and well-being among refugee communities.
At the core of this initiative is the delivery of specialized child protection case management services. This includes implementing best interests procedures and ensuring appropriate care arrangements for children facing urgent and life-threatening situations, such as unaccompanied or separated children, child brides, child labourers, and those affected by neglect and exploitation. Mapping existing services and referral pathways is another priority, helping to link refugee children with health care, psychosocial support, legal aid, education, shelter, and other essential services.
The programme also focuses on building the capacity of community-based child protection systems. Refugee community workers are trained to identify children at risk, manage safe referrals, and conduct follow-ups to ensure continuous support. Alongside this, community-based child protection programmes will raise awareness on child rights and protection risks, promote youth-led initiatives, create safe spaces for children, and deliver targeted programmes for adolescent girls. Strengthening safeguarding measures for teachers in community learning centres is also a key objective, equipping them to handle disclosures safely and work effectively with child protection actors.
To ensure long-term impact, the programme supports evidence-based advocacy aimed at promoting inclusive policies and systemic change. It actively engages with government stakeholders and civil society while participating in child protection coordination working groups. A strong monitoring mechanism will be established to track the performance and impact of child protection activities, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Through this initiative, UNHCR aims to build a protective and supportive environment where refugee children can grow up safe, empowered, and able to participate in decisions that shape their lives.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.