This was a statement made by non-governmental organisation World Vision Malaysia (WVM), after Richard Huckle admitted in court yesterday to committing 71 of 91 charges of sexually abusing 23 children from mainly poor communities in Kuala Lumpur.
WVM CEO K J Abraham said it was “imperative” that the children were provided with the care and protection they needed, for as long as they needed it.
“These children and families were already in a fragile and vulnerable situation when Huckle identified and abused them. His damaging actions could well have destroyed their psychological, social and mental fibre, and the subsequent media and public attention may trigger further traumatic experiences.
“It is imperative that we provide the children with all the care and protection they need without placing blame, so that they and their families can heal even as they receive proper and holistic support,” Abraham said in a statement today.
He further elaborated that governments around the world must work together to develop programmes to help keep children safe in their own countries, as paedophiles may seek out vulnerable people elsewhere if the net tightens in their own countries.
“National and international law enforcement agencies must also work together to protect children from roaming sex offenders. Children are let down by a system that can’t work across borders to protect them,” he added.
WVM is joining a chorus of voices for an immediate review of the policies and guidelines for the hiring of any individuals working with children in Malaysia.
“On the national front, we need to strengthen our local child protection mechanisms. This includes better and safer avenues for reporting, education and awareness as well as stronger legislation protecting children from all forms of sexual abuse,” WVM Child Protection Officer Joelle Low said.