PETALING JAYA: Human rights organisation Suhakam stated that despite Malaysia's progress in fostering unity and peace, racial discrimination and xenophobic sentiments persist.
"It is to be recalled that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated discrimination against non-citizens, refugees, and marginalised communities, highlighting the urgent need for systematic reforms.
"We reiterate that these issues need to be addressed comprehensively through legal, policy, and societal efforts by applying the principle of equality as enshrined in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution," said Suhakam in a statement on Sunday (March 23) to mark the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
Suhakam acknowledged the government's initiatives to promote national unity, including the National Unity Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030.
"However, beyond policy development, effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure tangible progress.
"This includes enacting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, strengthening human rights education, and promoting greater public awareness to combat racial stereotypes and prejudices."
Suhakam fervently advocates for Malaysia to manifest its sincere commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination by imminently acceding to ICERD, one of the core human rights treaties.
"It is imperative that we move beyond the surface of unity and work towards dismantling systematic racial discrimination, in line with international human rights standards," it added.
