STATEMENT BY
MR. NIZHAN FARAZ RIZAL
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 71: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 17 OCTOBER 2023
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Malaysia aligns itself with the ASEAN statement on this agenda item and adds the following remarks in its national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
2. This year marks a momentous year in the field of human rights, as we commemorate the anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action respectively. It is imperative that we reaffirm and uphold all the principles contained in these instruments.
3. Seventy-five years on, let us use this opportunity to reflect on what needs to be done further. Islamophobic acts, which are an infringement to the right to religion or belief, are allowed to occur under the pretext of freedom of opinion or expression. Concepts recognised in the international human rights architecture, such as the role of parents and the family as well as the right to development, are being challenged, while those which do not enjoy international consensus are being vigorously pushed. Most appalling is the impunity enjoyed by an apartheid regime that has been egregiously violating the human rights of Palestinians for more than seven decades, as a result of our paralysis. The importance of respecting the sacrosanct principles of human rights cannot be understated.
4. Closer to home, the human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar as well as the plight of the Rohingya remain of grave concern. While the international community has responded to the crisis, through the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022), much more needs to be done. Accountability and ending impunity are essential to finding a lasting and sustainable solution to the Rakhine crisis. As a country directly impacted by this crisis, Malaysia continues to support ongoing efforts towards the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced Rohingya to their homeland.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia continues to undertake steps to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights domestically. In March 2023, the Government established 10 Parliamentary Special Select Committees to ensure effective checks and balances on institutional integrity, democratic principles and advancement of the human rights agenda, covering a wide range of topics including human rights, women, children as well as health and nation building. In May 2023, the Penal Code was amended to decriminalise attempted suicide, marking a shift in our approach to mental health. Most recently, in July 2023, we abolished the mandatory death penalty through the entry into force of the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023.
6. Malaysia strongly believes in the value of capacity building and technical cooperation towards the promotion and protection of human rights. We have participated and organised a number of workshops, seminars and trainings at the national, regional and international level. More resources must be allocated for programmes that support Member States in improving the promotion and protection of human rights. We welcome opportunities to participate and contribute in such programmes.
7. Malaysia also underscores the immense value of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism in improving the promotion and protection of human rights. As we will be undergoing the 4th cycle of the UPR in January 2024, Malaysia looks forward to receiving pragmatic, implementable and constructive recommendations that would help in strengthening the capacity of our domestic human rights mechanisms.
Mr. Chair,
8. Enhancement of the promotion and protection of human rights is a continuous journey, and must be a collaborative effort. 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 UN Human Rights Mechanisms.
I thank you.
