STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 68: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 19 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The international community must treat all human rights in a fair and equitable manner. At the same time, it is important that national and regional particularities as well as historical, cultural and religious backgrounds be borne in mind, in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
2. Malaysia regrets that States who present themselves as promoters of human rights, are deliberately pushing the thoroughly-negotiated boundaries, of existing human rights frameworks, to include concepts which still require extensive deliberations. Such approaches undermine our efforts in advancing human rights.
Mr. Chair,
3. The persistence of conflicts around the world result in depravation of basic human rights of populations in conflict zones. Malaysia condemns the violation of the rights of civilian populations in areas of conflict, in particular the rights of women and children. We firmly believe that all lives are equal. Our response to violations of human rights in all parts of the world must be consistent.
4. Unfortunately, our actions seem to suggest that some lives are more valuable than others. The plight of the Palestinian people is a case in point. The international community remains paralysed as the apartheid Israeli regime intensifies its atrocities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory with impunity. Israel must end all other violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and fully comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions.
5. Closer to home, Malaysia is gravely concerned with the crisis in Myanmar. Since the military coup, the humanitarian and human rights situation has worsened, particularly among the Rohingya community. We regret the inability of the Security Council to take decisive actions to address the situation in Myanmar. Worse, we feel that some members of the Council are using ASEAN’s efforts as a pretext for inaction. Failure to judiciously address the situation will expose the Myanmar population, including the Rohingyas to the scourge of trafficking and smuggling in persons.
6. We hope that the so-called advocates of human rights who consistently decry the situation of human rights in other parts of the world, will demonstrate the same level of vigour in denouncing the violation of the rights of the Palestinian and Myanmar people.
Mr. Chair,
7. The Malaysian Federal Constitution provides for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In addition, Malaysia is party to several international human rights instruments, namely the CEDAW, CRC and its two Optional Protocols; as well as the CRPD.
8. Malaysia continues to review its legislation to further improve the well-being, human rights and dignity of its citizens. Among recent efforts include the decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty, the establishment of a Parliament Special Select Committee on Fundamental Liberty and Constitutional Rights, and the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill in the lower house of Parliament.
9. Malaysia believes that the right to development is imperative in upholding human rights, as economic prosperity will allow for the better enjoyment of such rights. Under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan 2021-2025, we are undertaking efforts to address poverty, enhance the well-being of our indigenous community, and improve the well-being of children, youth, women, older persons, persons with disabilities and family institutions.
Mr. Chair,
10. Malaysia firmly opposes all forms of unilateral coercive measures (UCM), as they contravene the norms of international law as well as purposes and principles of the United Nations as set forth in its Charter. The imposition of UCMs while targeted countries continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic must be condemned, as it is against the basic principles of humanity.
11. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Malaysia will work constructively with all stakeholders to address global human rights issues. We stand ready to continue our activism on human rights issues through close collaboration with Member States and United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms.
I thank you.