Best Interests Procedures for Refugee Children

Description

1) Objective

UNHCR’s Policy on Child Protection – Core Programme Action 1 requires UNHCR, together with partners, to support national and local child protection systems to ensure inclusion of forcibly displaced children and provision of prevention and response services without discrimination, and the requirement to implement Core Programme Action 3 in combination with system-strengthening objectives, to increase the availability and accessibility of national child protection services over time and reduce the need for supplementary services.

Although Malaysia is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Child Act 2001 does not discriminate against refugee children, in practice, these children face substantial barriers in accessing justice, appropriate care, and essential services such as education and healthcare. The lack of legal status limits their protection and integration, leaving them exposed to exploitation and marginalization. With the high number of refugee children at risk, UNHCR is seeking existing and/or new partners with experience in delivering child protection response activities in one or more states across Peninsular Malaysia.

Outcome Area 5: Child Protection Community-based child protection structures, best interest determination, prevention and response services for adolescents and children at risk.

2) Eligibility

Eligible are non-profit organisations with sector expertise and experience in the area.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Malaysia. 

4) Budget

The grant size is not mentioned.

5) Application

The application deadline is 20 October 2025. A concept note must be submitted via the online application portal.