A call to action for the protection and empowerment of children

This World Children’s Day, we come together as a global community to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring the rights of all children – to survive, to be protected, to develop, and to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. While we acknowledge that progress has been made in some areas of children’s rights, we also recognize that far too many children around the world still face challenges that threaten their well-being and dignity.

“We are also alarmed that some of the victories won by children and for children are under threat, jeopardizing the future of the children of today and tomorrow.”

Our commemoration of World Children’s Day this year should be a renewal of our dedication to fulfilling our promises for children, with greater urgency.

The right to survival is the foundation upon which all other rights are built. Tragically, millions of children still die from preventable causes each year. According to UNICEF,

“Progress in reducing under-five mortality has slowed in the first half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) era (2015-2022) compared to what was achieved in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) era (2000-2015).”

Over 15,000 Southeast Asian children under five died in 2022, primarily from causes such as malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, and complications during birth, compounded by limited healthcare infrastructure in rural areas and various economic challenges.

Southeast Asian children also face mental health challenges, with an estimated 10-20% affected by conditions such as depression and anxiety. In Thailand, approximately one in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 and one in 14 aged 5-0 have mental health disorders. Factors that contribute to these issues include exposure to violence, displacement, poverty, and limited access to mental health services. 

“The World Health Organization highlights that the failure to recognize and address mental health problems in children and adolescents is a serious public health concern in the region.”

The long term effects of isolation brought about by nearly two years of quarantine and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic remain to be fully understood but early studies suggest significant impacts on mental health, social development, and academic performance.

The threat of climate change to child survival in the region is worsening, with frequent natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and droughts becoming more intense. Children in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam face disproportionate risks, as these climate events destroy homes, displace families, and disrupt food and water supplies. 

“Over 40 million children across Southeast Asia were affected by climate-related disasters, with many facing prolonged exposure to unsafe living conditions, malnutrition, and lack of access to clean water and healthcare.”

Another pressing issue is the separation of children from their families due to migration and economic hardship. Many Southeast Asian parents leave their children in the care of relatives or in vulnerable situations to seek work abroad or in urban centers in order to provide for their families.

“The high rates of parental migration have led to a generation of “children left behind” who are more susceptible to emotional distress, neglect, abuse, and exploitation.”

All children deserve to grow up in safe environments, yet many continue to suffer from abuse, exploitation, and violence.

“Domestic violence remains a grave issue across the region, with cultural stigmas often silencing victims and preventing them from accessing justice.”

According to UNICEF East Asia and Pacific, over one in three children in Southeast Asia experience violence in their homes, schools, or communities.

With the expansion of internet connectivity in the region comes a myriad of issues and challenges. According to a 2022 UNICEF report,

“Excessive screen use among children in the region is linked to reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues such as anxiety and isolation.”

Compounding these concerns is the lack of adequate digital literacy and security, which leaves children vulnerable to online risks, including cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Worst,

“Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) has become a growing threat in Southeast Asia. The Philippines, in particular, has been labeled a “global hotspot” for online child sexual exploitation.”

The rapid digital transformation in the region has outpaced protective measures, leaving many children vulnerable to various forms of online exploitation and abuse.

The worst forms of child labor is another pervasive issue, with an estimated 8.4 million children in the region engaged in work that is often hazardous and exploitative. In industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, children are deprived of education and forced into labor that endangers their health and well-being. Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand are among the countries where child labor remains prevalent, with children working in conditions that violate their rights and prevent them from achieving their potential.

Furthermore, child trafficking and exploitation are severe problems in parts of Southeast Asia, where poverty and lack of opportunities put children at risk. Traffickers target vulnerable families, promising better futures for their children but ultimately exploiting them in forced labor or the sex trade. Conflict-affected regions, such as southern Philippines and Myanmar, have seen significant increases in child trafficking, with displaced children particularly vulnerable.

Wars and conflict continue to impact children across the globe, with devastating consequences.In conflict zones, children are exposed to severe violence, displacement, and are victimized themselves as collateral damage.

“In Myanmar alone, over 200,000 children have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, with many facing threats of violence, malnutrition, and disrupted education.”

The threats of wars and conflict faced by children in Southeast Asia mirrors the reality being faced by Palestinian children who are among those who bear the brunt of relentless violence and displacement due to the ongoing war.

“Nearly 26,000 children have been killed or injured since the resumption of violence in the region last year. UNICEF has warned that unless the hostilities end soon, Palestine will lose an ‘entire generation.’”

The trauma endured by these children in the midst of wars and conflict leaves lasting scars on their mental health and development, affecting their prospects for a safe, healthy future.

Access to quality education is crucial,  yet many children are denied this right due to poverty, discrimination, and lack of infrastructure. The Global Partnership for Education estimates that over 14 million children in Southeast Asia are out of school. Economic barriers, natural disasters, and remote living conditions restrict educational access, particularly for children in rural and indigenous communities. 

For children with special needs, Southeast Asia still has a long way to go in providing inclusive education. Many schools in the region are unequipped to support children with disabilities, leading to  high rates of exclusion and discrimination. Children with disabilities often face social stigma, with some being left out of the educational system entirely. 

In addition to education and support for special needs, the right to development also encompasses children’s access to safe and accessible public spaces for play and recreation–essential for their physical, emotional, and social growth. 

However, across Southeast Asia, public spaces where children can safely play are rapidly shrinking due to urbanization, unsafe environments, and violence. In many densely populated areas, open spaces are replaced by construction and infrastructure, leaving few parts or recreational areas available for children. 

“Empowering children to participate in decisions that affect their lives is critical to their sense of agency and belonging. Children in Southeast Asia are often seen as passive recipients of care and are often left out in social and community dialogues.”

While there are many organizations that encourage children’s participation in addressing issues such as climate change, health, and education, cultural norms still limit their opportunities to voice opinions, especially on sensitive topics such as abuse, family planning, and sex.

A Call to Action for Southeast Asia’s Children

On this International Children’s Day, we honor the courage and resilience of Southeast Asia’s children and recognize the vital role of grassroots community organizations as frontline advocates for their rights and well-being. Child Rights Protection Brigades and other similar organizations, often driven by local volunteers, teachers, parents, and older children, are at the heart of efforts to address the unique challenges children face, from healthcare access to protection from abuse and exploitation.

“By amplifying the voices of children, promoting education, and creating safe environments for growth, these community-led initiatives play a critical role in giving every child a chance to thrive.”

Even as we continue to pressure governments to do more in advancing children’s rights and welfare, we are reminded that the work of protecting child rights begins within their own communities.

“Grassroots advocates are the bridge between children’s immediate needs and broader institutional support, working to ensure that the youngest and most vulnerable are seen, heard, and supported.”

The future of Southeast Asia depends on the strength, well-being, and dreams of its youngest citizens, and together, we can make that future brighter.