Call for EOIs: Strengthening Refugee Child Protection Systems and Services (Malaysia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking expressions of interest from organizations to strengthen the inclusion of refugee children in Malaysia’s national child protection system. The initiative seeks to improve protection and access to services for refugee children through stronger collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations. The programme focuses particularly on refugee children who are at risk or without parental care, while strengthening case management, community networks, family-based alternative care, family tracing and reunification, and coordination among child protection stakeholders.

About the UNICEF Initiative

The Call for Expression of Interest aims to help create a more inclusive child protection system in Malaysia in which refugee children can access appropriate protection services. The initiative recognises the importance of cooperation between national institutions and organizations working directly with refugee communities.

Key areas of focus include:

- Strengthening the capacity of child protection actors. - Building community-based protection networks. - Improving access to family-based alternative care. - Strengthening case management. - Expanding family tracing and reunification. - Improving coordination among stakeholders. - Strengthening data collection. - Supporting evidence-based advocacy. Main Objective The main objective is to strengthen the inclusion of refugee children within Malaysia’s national child protection system. The programme aims to improve the ability of child protection actors to respond to cases involving refugee children while creating stronger links between refugee communities and national child protection services. Focus on Vulnerable Refugee Children

Particular attention is given to refugee children who are

- At risk of harm. - Without parental care. - In need of alternative care. - In need of family tracing or reunification. - Requiring child protection case management. The initiative seeks to ensure that these children can benefit from appropriate protection mechanisms and services. Strengthening Child Protection Actors A key outcome is to increase the preparedness of child protection actors to manage cases involving refugee children. Organizations can contribute by strengthening knowledge, skills, procedures, and coordination among professionals and other actors involved in child protection. Training and capacity-building activities should help stakeholders respond more effectively to the specific circumstances and protection needs of refugee children. Community-Based Protection Networks The programme also seeks to strengthen community-based networks. Community organizations can play an important role in identifying protection concerns, connecting families with services, supporting referrals, and building trust between refugee communities and formal protection systems. Strengthening these networks can help create stronger links between communities and national child protection services. Building Trust Between Refugee Communities and National Services Improving trust is an important part of the initiative. Refugee communities may face barriers when accessing national services. The programme therefore encourages approaches that improve communication, engagement, referrals, and cooperation between refugee communities and national child protection actors. Stronger relationships can support earlier identification of protection concerns and improve access to appropriate services. Family-Based Alternative Care The initiative aims to improve access to family-based alternative care for refugee children, particularly children who are without parental care. Applicants can propose activities that strengthen caregiver capacity and improve systems for identifying, supporting, and monitoring appropriate family-based care arrangements. Family Tracing and Reunification Another important programme outcome is the expansion of family tracing and reunification efforts. Organizations can support mechanisms that help identify separated children and locate family members where appropriate. Improved coordination and information management can help strengthen these efforts and contribute to safer and more sustainable outcomes for children. High-Quality Case Management The programme places strong emphasis on high-quality case management. Organizations are encouraged to contribute to effective case management services for refugee children, including appropriate identification, assessment, referral, follow-up, and coordination. Strong case management can help ensure that individual protection needs are properly understood and addressed. Improving Stakeholder Coordination Improved coordination among stakeholders is another key objective. Applicants are encouraged to strengthen collaboration among: - Government agencies. - NGOs. - Community-based organizations. - Refugee community organizations. - Child protection actors. - Other relevant stakeholders. Better coordination can reduce gaps and duplication while improving referrals and continuity of protection services. Collaboration With Government Agencies Collaboration with government agencies is strongly encouraged. In particular, applicants are encouraged to work with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) and other relevant government stakeholders. Such partnerships can help connect community-based initiatives with Malaysia’s national child protection system.

Partnership With Refugee Community Organizations

Collaboration with refugee community organizations is also strongly encouraged. Community organizations can provide valuable knowledge about the needs, barriers, and circumstances affecting refugee children and families. Their participation can help ensure that proposed activities are responsive to community realities. Training and Supporting Caregivers Eligible organizations can propose a