UN Malaysia congratulates govt for third time election to Human Rights Council

PETALING JAYA: The United Nations in Malaysia has congratulated the Malaysian government for its third time election to the Human Rights Council for the term 2022-2024.

It also commended the government for its progressive pledges and commitments.

“We applaud the government’s commitment under its theme of ‘Unity for Humanity’ to fulfil its obligations under core human rights instruments such as Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD).

“We also welcome Malaysia’s pledge to mainstream human rights standards across policies and engage on other human rights treaties,” it said in a statement on Friday (Oct 15).

The United Nations in Malaysia added that they will continue to support Malaysia’s efforts throughout the Universal Periodic Review process.

“The Monitoring Matrix, mapped to relevant human rights conventions alongside the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an invaluable tool. Also, being one of only a few countries that use the OHCHR’s National Recommendations Tracking Database (NRTD) provides a breakthrough opportunity for Malaysia,” it said.

It added that they are also ready to support South-South cooperation and experience sharing in the region and beyond, building on Malaysia’s recent interactions with special rapporteurs on extreme poverty and human rights, human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, cultural rights as well as on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography, and other child sexual abuse material.

“We welcome Malaysia’s commitment to raise human rights awareness among all stakeholders in a national effort to realise the right to development for all, protect and promote cultural rights, engage in climate action, and roll out the national action plan on business and human rights,” it said.