Brunei Darussalam
The Land of Unexpected Treasures
According to the KidsRights Index 2025, Thailand has emerged as the most child-friendly country in ASEAN, recording a child rights score of 0.855. Known as the Land of White Elephants, Thailand has shown strong performance across key areas including health, education, and protection, reflecting its efforts to uphold the rights of children throughout the country.
Thailand’s top ranking highlights not only policy initiatives but also social and cultural support systems that ensure children’s well-being. From access to healthcare and quality education to legal protections and supportive community programs, Thailand exemplifies a holistic approach to children’s rights, making it a regional benchmark for ASEAN.
Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Follow Closely
Malaysia and Singapore ranked second and third, with scores of 0.798 and 0.795, respectively. Both countries have invested heavily in creating safe and nurturing environments for children, including robust educational systems, healthcare infrastructure, and child protection mechanisms. These measures contribute to a high standard of child welfare, reflecting strong governance and societal support for young citizens.
Brunei Darussalam comes in fourth with a score of 0.738, demonstrating consistent progress in providing children with access to healthcare, education, and protective services. Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked fifth with 0.722, showing ongoing efforts to improve child rights despite challenges posed by socio-economic disparities.
Indonesia, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste’s Performance
Indonesia secured sixth place with a score of 0.654, slightly ahead of Viet Nam, which recorded 0.652 points. Both nations have made strides in promoting children’s rights, especially in education and protection services, though there is still room for improvement in areas like health access and child protection enforcement.
Timor-Leste, ranking eighth with 0.645, continues to focus on strengthening its child welfare systems post-independence, addressing both basic rights and broader social inclusion programs for children across the country.
Lower-Ranking ASEAN Countries
At the lower end of the ranking, Laos and Myanmar ranked ninth and tenth, scoring 0.608 and 0.59 points, respectively. These countries face challenges related to health infrastructure, education accessibility, and protective services for vulnerable children. Cambodia recorded the lowest score in ASEAN, at 0.442, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and targeted initiatives to improve child welfare and rights enforcement.
Understanding the KidsRights Index
The KidsRights Index evaluates 194 countries worldwide based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It measures achievements across five key domains: right to life, health, education, protection, and the creation of an enabling environment for children. The 2025 report provides valuable insights into how countries in ASEAN and globally prioritize child rights, offering a framework for improving policy, investment, and advocacy to ensure children’s well-being.
