Kuala lumpur: ASEAN member states must dismantle barriers that prevent children from accessing justice and work together to guarantee their rights through stronger legal aid mechanisms, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina emphasized the importance of ensuring justice is accessible to all children, highlighting the numerous obstacles such as distance, cost, and lack of awareness that hinder their access to legal protection. She made these remarks while opening the inaugural 2025 ASEAN Convention on Legal Aid for Children (ACLAC) at the Desaru Coast Conference Centre.

Azalina stated that the gathering was more than just a conference; it represented a commitment to protect, empower, and uphold the dignity of every child in the region. She pointed out that Malaysia had taken a significant step with the passage of the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025 in August, which ensures that all children in criminal cases receive proper defense and extends legal aid regardless of nationality.

She noted that while ASEAN countries have implemented innovative measures such as mobile legal clinics, juvenile courts, and pro bono networks, there are still gaps in child access to justice. Azalina stressed the need for the convention to facilitate the sharing of best practices, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and build a regional framework for child-friendly legal aid.

The three-day convention, organized by the Legal Aid Department (JBG) of the Prime Minister’s Department as part of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, features discussions on legal aid for children in various legal contexts. It aims to expand access to justice and integrate ASEAN legal aid initiatives into national frameworks.

Seven countries, including Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, are participating in the convention. Sixteen delegates are presenting papers on mechanisms, experiences, and ideas related to child legal aid, covering topics such as children facing criminal charges, child victims of crime, and children as court witnesses.

The convention is expected to yield tangible measures to enhance regional cooperation and establish common standards to strengthen protection for children across ASEAN member states.