Mr. President,
We thank you for convening this high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. Malaysia is encouraged by the significant progress made in the protection and promotion of the rights of minorities since the consensual adoption of the declaration three decades ago.
Mr. President,
2. The promotion of a culture of peaceful coexistence would effectively ensure respect for ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. As a multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-religious country, Malaysia is cognisant of the importance of understanding, respecting and embracing the diversity in our society. In line with this spirit, the Honourable Prime Minister introduced the Keluarga Malaysia or Malaysian Family concept, to sustain peace, unity and harmony, as well as promoting prosperity for all.
3. Malaysia has undertaken several measures to further strengthen our institutional and policy frameworks in protecting minorities. We have established a Ministry of National Unity, and have developed the National Unity Policy (DPN) and National Unity Action Plan (PTPN) 2021-2030. Both documents serve as guiding frameworks, among others, to strengthen unity among the various religious and ethnic groups.
4. In addition, Malaysia has incorporated the needs and rights of minorities, such as improving their access to education, employment and health services, in our national development plans and progressive policies such as the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
5. In line with the principle of leaving no one behind, the Malaysian Government collaborated with civil society and UN partners in the implementation of our National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, to ensure that everyone, including indigenous communities in rural areas, are inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr. President,
6. Malaysia is deeply concerned over reports regarding discriminatory policies and laws enacted by certain States, which prevent certain religious minorities groups from being resettled and relocated. We call for the implementation of non-discriminatory, inclusive and fair policies to ensure effective resettlement, reintegration, and remedy for those seeking asylum and refuge.
7. Tools such as the Network on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) Checklist to Strengthen UN Work at the Country Level to Combat Racial Discrimination and Advance Minority Rights should complement States’ efforts in this regard. We recommend that such tools be developed in multiple languages and made more accessible so as to cater to all groups and ensure wide outreach.
8. In conclusion, Malaysia remains committed in advancing the rights of minorities and we stand ready to work with our partners towards that end. We believe that the UN and its machineries, such as the Human Rights Council, are well placed to continue advocating the culture of peaceful coexistence. Together, we can pave the way for a more peaceful, prosperous and progressive world.
Thank you.