EXPLORING THE HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK FOR ORANG ASLI CHILDREN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The United Nations' 2030 World Agenda is a comprehensive development plan encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions that has been universally adopted and implemented by 193 nations since 2015. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 epidemic has impeded the realization of this initiative, which aims to protect the rights of Orang Asli (OA) children, who are considered a susceptible demographic. The main objectives of this study are to provide a concise overview of the correlation between OA children and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030). Subsequently, an examination will be conducted about the challenges faced in safeguarding individuals' rights to life, health, and development within the framework of the preceding COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a conventional legal research approach to examine the pandemic's impact on OA children's ability to protect their development rights based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) with emphasis on the child's best interest principle. The findings imply that the recent pandemic has posed several challenges that have impeded global advancements in achieving the SDG by 2030. This study posits that strict adherence to the objectives outlined in the SDG 2030 is essential for all governments, particularly post-COVID 19. Hence, it is recommended that ongoing efforts be made to advocate for property rights, implement community development projects, safeguard cultural assets, and enhance the availability of education and healthcare services.