Suhakam, police launch human rights module for M’sian cops

PETALING JAYA: A module has been developed to strengthen the training of police officers regarding domestic and international human rights standards required when carrying out duties.

The module, which was co-developed by the police and Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) in 2018, was launched by the Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani at the Royal Malaysia Police College, Kuala Lumpur, on Monday (April 18).

"This module will act as a guide for instructors delivering human rights courses to police officers, while improving existing curriculum by adapting and integrating relevant topics in the module," said a joint statement released today by police and Suhakam.

The module comprises among others, international standards of human rights and policing, officers and the police human rights, application of human rights principles in detention, arrest, use of force and firearms, prohibition of discrimination, special needs of disabled detainees, children and women and prohibition of torture, punishment and other treatments that are cruel, inhumane and degrading to one’s dignity is also part of the module.

According to Acryl Sani, police personnel would get involved in more programmes in the future, to not only gain knowledge on human rights but also to show support for the cause.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Othman Hashim, on the other hand, hopes that the module will reinforce the police force’s learning of fundamental rights while ensuring that human rights is prioritised and observed by police officers when undertaking their tasks.