SUHAKAM calls for M’sia to ratify key human rights treaties by 2027

savemalaysia

Publish date: Thu, 08 Aug 2024, 12:01 PM

NATIONAL Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) newly appointed chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus has expressed his hopes that Malaysia will sign key international treaties addressing racial discrimination and refugee protection before his term ends in July 2027.

The former Court of Appeal judge noted the importance of Malaysia ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the 1951 Refugee Convention in an interview with a local news portal.

ICERD, which obliges its signatories to eradicate racial discrimination in all forms including within public institutions and government policies was previously a contentious issue in Malaysia.

In November 2018, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government retracted its pledge to ratify the convention following protests led by groups that argued it would undermine the special status of Malays and natives including affirmative action policies.

Hishamudin hopes to change this narrative by fostering a deeper understanding of human rights within Malaysia.

“Every society is obliged to uphold human rights,” he stated.

“Only through such awareness can people whose rights have been violated know that they can submit complaints to SUHAKAM. This will enable us to undertake the relevant investigations and submit relevant recommendations to the government or related bodies.”

The 1951 Refugee Convention, which Malaysia has also yet to sign, is critical for providing rights and protection to individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries.

Currently, Malaysia categorises refugees and asylum seekers as undocumented or illegal migrants under the Immigration Act 1959/1963. The cornerstone of this convention is the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they may face serious threats to their life or freedom.

Moreover, it also guarantees rights related to housing, employment, and education.

During his tenure, Hishamudin aims to push for Malaysia’s participation in several other core international human rights conventions including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Convention on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.

In addition to advocating for treaty ratification, Hishamudin is committed to advancing domestic human rights issues.

SUHAKAM will continue to push for legislative changes to improve access to education for refugee children and stateless children. The commission will also focus on reforms related to indigenous land rights, the prison system, and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.

Furthermore, SUHAKAM plans to engage actively with government bodies and civil society organizations (CSOs) particularly those outside the Klang Valley to enhance human rights awareness and provide information on available remedies and access to justice.

Hishamudin is optimistic that recent amendments to the Suhakam Act, which came into force last month, will strengthen the commission’s role and capabilities.

As a commission, we aspire to ensure that violations of human rights will be voiced out and resolved. We also hope to improve the public’s perception of SUHAKAM, he said.

With our mandate being strengthened, we will endeavour to ensure Suhakam’s independence as an effective check and balance on the government as well as to become the bridge for the public, NGOs and CSOs. – Aug 8, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/suhakam-calls-for-msia-to-ratify-key-human-rights-treaties-by-2027/

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