In his speech at The Children Forum 2011, Datuk Dr Joshua Peter Tan – president of the United National Organisation of Children Malaysia (UNCOM) – said that the rights of children must be considered in the divorce proceedings of their parents.

The one-day forum was held in conjunction with International Family Day; and was jointly organised by UNCOM and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).

Putting up his case for kids whose parents may be seeking the divorce route, Dr Tan said at the forum that there is a need for the voices of the children to be heard loud and clear in such proceedings --- more so since custody orders made by the court affected them the most.

Noting that that it is extremely important to consider the ‘traumatic’ impact of the parents’ break-up on the children, Dr Tan said: “We need to ensure that the breakup of the parents does not affect the children.”

With most kids often pushed around in any custodial dispute between parents, Dr Tan said that divorced parents need to keep in mind the fact that a husband or a wife can be changed, but, for a child, there can be no replacement for a mother or father.

Dr Tan said that children who are deprived of their rights to show their inner emotions and feelings end up suffering in silence because of family break ups, and added: “These unhealthy practices can be avoided if the divorce parties understand the concept that parents are not replaceable.”