STATEMENT BY
MR. NIZHAN FARAZ RIZAL
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
THE REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 31 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. President,
Malaysia wishes to express its appreciation to Ambassador Václav Bálek, President of the Human Rights Council for presenting the report of the Council as contained in document A/78/53. We also wish to commend the work of the Council’s 2023 Bureau under his leadership.
Mr. President,
2. The Human Rights Council plays a crucial role in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Malaysia believes that the Human Rights Council should serve as an avenue for UN Member States to work collaboratively in advancing human rights, especially the rights of those most vulnerable. In order to foster a conducive environment which facilitates States to better fulfil their human rights obligations, values such as constructive engagement, cooperation, inclusivity, transparency and mutual respect must form the bedrock of the Council’s work.
3. In line with our membership priorities, Malaysia continues to engage constructively in the Human Rights Council. We are continuously sustaining and strengthening our engagement with the Council’s mechanisms and continue to support the invaluable work of the OHCHR. Malaysia’s active participation at the Human Rights Council is a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, both at home and globally.
4. Malaysia is pleased to note that consensus was achieved within the Human Rights Council on some issues this year, amongst others, on the issue of promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities, the Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, as well as the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. We are also honoured that the Council resolution on “Promoting Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals through Transparent, Accountable and Efficient Public Services Delivery” which was sponsored by a core group comprising Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Georgia, Kenya, Thailand and Türkiye at the 52nd Session of the Council, was also adopted by consensus. We hope that this would be an impetus for forging further consensus within the Council.
Mr. President,
5. As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) this year, it is imperative that we reaffirm the sacrosanct principle that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that all human rights are to be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. As such, it is also imperative that all human rights violations are addressed with the same degree of urgency and vigour, irrespective of where they occur.
6. In this regard, Malaysia regrets that longstanding human rights violations, particularly the systemic oppression of the Palestinians and the Rohingyas, are allowed to persist. As a matter of fact, in the case of Palestine, we are witnessing the flagrant abuse of international law, including international human rights law, by Israel, the occupying power, which is solidifying its apartheid practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We must recall that apartheid and foreign occupation are recognised as human rights violations under the VDPA. It is imperative that the Human Rights Council take affirmative action to bring such atrocities to a swift end, as per its mandate.
7. We also regret that established concepts within the human rights architecture such as the right to development, the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance under the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the impacts of unilateral coercive measures on human rights continue to face opposition within the Human Rights Council. On the other hand, concepts that are inconsistent with existing human rights instruments as well as national and regional particularities are being persistently advocated. Such moves undermine the universality indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of human rights.
Mr. President,
8. The three (3) sessions of the Human Rights Council this year have clearly shown an escalating workload of the Council. This trend, if allowed to continue, will become unsustainable and may risk undermining the Council’s efficacy. It is imperative that the situation concerning the working methods of the Council be addressed urgently. An approach that could be considered is streamlining the issues to be discussed during the sessions of the Human Rights Council throughout the year, so as to enhance efficiency without compromising the impact of these discussions and prevent the undue lengthening of future Council sessions.
9. There is also a need to enhance synergies between the Human Rights Council and processes in New York. In the past, there appears to be a disconnect between outcomes achieved within in the Council and their integration into the broader New York processes. A holistic approach that harmonises the three pillars of the UN must be adopted in order to achieve more effective and comprehensive outcomes.
10. It is also important to ensure that resources allocated for the Human Rights Council are optimised for the Council to discharge its responsibilities effectively. This can be achieved not solely through increasing financial allocation to the Human Rights Council, but also requires a review of the Council’s undertakings.
Mr. President,
11. The Human Rights Council has accomplished a great deal since its founding. It is therefore crucial that we avoid actions that will undermine the immense value of the Council. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Malaysia will continue its activism in the Council and will work constructively with all stakeholders to address global human rights issues.
I thank you.