Abuse Strengthening early childhood education may help protect at-risk children

The tragic case of four-year-old Megan Khung – fatally abused by her mother and her partner – exposes deep gaps in the systems meant to protect vulnerable children (Couple abused 4-year-old girl for more than a year, burned her body after she died, Feb 28).

- Bharathi Manogaran Deputy executive director Aware

While the perpetrators bear full responsibility for their heinous acts, this case raises urgent questions about the societal and systemic failures that allowed such prolonged abuse to go undetected and unprevented.

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Singapore has committed to upholding children's fundamental rights, including their right to safety, education, and protection from abuse. This case underscores the need for stronger measures to fulfill these commitments.

One glaring concern is the apparent lack of intervention despite indications of abuse.