Info Sheet, FAQ, Past Delegates' Experiences, Helplines: Youth Consultations on the RPA on EVAC

Information Sheet

Background

ASEAN countries have been working together to protect children from violence. The first ASEAN Regional Plan of Action (2016-2025) to End Violence Against Children (RPA on EVAC) is coming to an end, and it's time to shape the next one. To do this, the ASEAN Commission on Women and Children (ACWC) is gathering feedback—especially from children and youth.

Children’s voices matter in shaping this plan. That’s why ASEAN countries are encouraged to hold consultations with children and youth, ensuring that their views are heard and included.

Child Rights Coalition Asia, known for supporting child participation, is working with ACWC to create safe spaces for young people to share their thoughts. This is also part of a bigger effort, linking to other regional plans on online safety, child migration, and environmental rights.

What’s Happening?

National Consultation

A National Consultation will be conducted on 19 April at RoundBox @ Singapore Children's Society (Located near Braddell MRT). We want to hear from a diverse group of children and youth about how to EVAC. This includes:

Ways to protect children from harm, both in real life and online
New dangers children might face, like unsafe online activities or harmful traditions
How violence against children and violence against women can be connected

We also want to understand how different groups of children experience these risks and what kinds of help they have. Most importantly, we want your ideas on how to make a big plan to stop violence against children even better!

The consultation is open to any youth aged 13 to 18, and we’re keeping it fun! The consultation is themed after a board game, with lunch provided and prizes for winning teams. Plus, you’ll get to meet other awesome youths! By joining the national consultation, you’ll also have a chance to be selected for the Regional Consultation in Jakarta—an all-expenses-paid trip! 🌍✈️

(Note: You must attend the national consultation to be considered for the Regional Children’s Consultation.)

Regional Consultation

A Regional Children’s Consultation will be held between 12 and 16 May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Two delegates who will be selected from the national consultations will attend this meeting. Each ASEAN country will be sending two delegates, so there will be 20 delegates in total. Delegates must have a valid passport and obtain consent from their parents/guardian to be selected for this meeting.

The programme for the meeting includes:

Workshops & Discussions: Reflecting on the past 10 years and shaping the next plan.
Developing Recommendations: Sharing ideas on how ASEAN can better protect children.
Children’s Dialogue with ASEAN Leaders: A direct conversation with officials from ACWC, AICHR (ASEAN Human Rights Body), and other key stakeholders.

Outcomes

A formal report capturing children’s recommendations
A summary of key points discussed in the dialogue with ASEAN leaders
A step towards making sure children’s voices influence real policies

Why Join?

This is your chance to help shape a safer future for children across ASEAN! If you care about issues like online safety, mental health, and protection from violence, this is the space to speak up and be heard.

Let’s work together to create real change! Sign up for the regional consult here: https://forms.office.com/r/3z7PxymYHP.

FAQ

1. What is ASEAN?

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a group of 10 countries in Southeast Asia that work together on issues like education, trade, and protecting children. The member countries are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor Leste, also our neighbor in this region, is an observer and not an official member yet.

2. Who are AICHR and ACWC?

AICHR (ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights) protects and promotes human rights in ASEAN.
ACWC (ASEAN Commission on Women and Children) focuses on making sure women and children are safe and treated fairly.

These groups work with governments and organisations like Singapore Children’s Society, CRC Asia and the United Nations to create better policies for children.

3. What is Violence Against Children?

Violence against children (VAC) means any harm or mistreatment that children face. This includes:

Physical violence (hitting, hurting, etc.)
Emotional violence (bullying, threats, name-calling)
Sexual violence (unwanted or unsafe touching, abuse)
Neglect (not getting proper care, food, or protection)
Online violence (cyberbullying, unsafe contact with strangers)

You have the right to be safe from violence in all settings at all times!

4. Why does my voice matter?

You have the right to be heard and give your views on issues that concern you and other young people! By sharing your thoughts, you help make sure adults and leaders understand what young people really need to feel safe.

5. How will the consultations take place?

You’ll join a fun, interactive Consultation with other Singaporean youth on 19 April at Singapore Children’s Society.

The session will include games, discussions, and teamwork to explore real issues children and youth here face. Due to the nature of the topics discussed during the consultation that might be triggering or disturbing, we have also written a Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct to protect all participants from harm.

Two participants will be selected to attend the Regional Consultation in Jakarta (sometime between 12-16 May 2025), where they will meet other children from ASEAN countries to discuss and present ideas to decision-makers.

6. What happens if I am selected for the Regional Consultation?

There will be preparation meetings before the trip to help you get ready. One/two staff members from Singapore Children’s Society, also called adult mentors, will travel with you and support you in the trip. We will also guide you on school leave arrangements.

A briefing for you and your parents/caregivers will cover logistics, prep, safety (such as registering with the Singapore embassy in Jakarta).

In Jakarta, you’ll:

Share what was discussed in Singapore’s national consultation.
Brainstorm ideas with children from other ASEAN countries.
Prepare recommendations before meeting key ASEAN leaders who make important policy decisions.

7. What do I need to join?

Be 13 to 18 years old.
Be excited to share your views and help make a difference!
If selected for Jakarta, you must have a valid passport and parental consent.

Got questions?

Drop us a DM on @sgchildrensforum on Instagram or email us at scf@childrensociety.org.sg.

Past Delegates' Experiences

Other youths have represented Singapore at the Regional Children's Meeting 2024 and 2023 AICHR dialogue. Read more about their experiences here or watch their travel vlogs below:

Regional Children's Meeting 2024

It is an annual meeting organised by CRC Asia to provide a platform for children across Asia to share their experiences, insights and recommendations on various aspects of children’s rights. The 2024 meeting took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 14 to 16 August.

Read more: Blog post
Vlogs: Instagram reel | XinYi's YouTube vlog

Dialogue of AICHR and Children from ASEAN Region 2023

AICHR organised the first ever “Dialogue of AICHR and Children from ASEAN Region” in July 2023. The event took place in Jakarta as Indonesia is the current Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chair for 2023.