KUALA LUMPUR (31 AUGUST 2024) – In conjunction with International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on 30th August, SUHAKAM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of victims and their families. We emphasize the urgent need for accountability, transparency and justice in all cases of enforced disappearances, including those highlighted in our previous inquiries, such as the cases of Pastor Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, and the subsequent inquiry into the disappearances of Joshua Helmi and Ruth Sitepu.
SUHAKAM reiterates its call for the immediate release of the findings of the Task Force established in 2019 to investigate these cases of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. Despite the passage of several years, the lack of transparency regarding the Task Force’s report continues to cause immense distress to the affected families, who remain desperate for answers and closure; and had to resort to the judicial process for the disclosure of the Task Force Report. We strongly believe that public access to the findings of this investigation is essential not only for the purpose of compliance with the principle of transparency but also to achieving justice, fostering public trust, and enabling healing for those affected.
We note with concern that the disappearances of Joshua Helmi and Ruth Sitepu, who were last seen in 2016, have yet to be resolved. In 2019, SUHAKAM commenced an inquiry into their cases, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive investigations into all enforced disappearances in Malaysia. The families of Joshua and Ruth, like those of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, continue to live in anguish and uncertainty. We urge the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into these cases, as they remain emblematic of the broader issue of enforced disappearances in the country.
SUHAKAM expresses its deepest concern and sympathies to the families of the victims and their loved ones for the grief, anxiety, and sadness arising from the enforced disappearances. We hope that the nation will one day soon ensure that adequate legal recognition and remedies are available for victims of enforced disappearances in the country, thereby demonstrating the government’s commitment to not allow such an unthinkable act to take place, at any time, upon anyone in the country.
SUHAKAM calls on the government to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED).
In line with the guiding principles for the search for disappeared persons, SUHAKAM underscores that all investigations must be conducted under the presumption that the individuals are alive. It is imperative to approach these cases with a comprehensive strategy that respects human dignity and ensures that searches are thorough, independent, and impartial, in accordance with international standards.
We also draw attention to the joint statement by the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) and the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) on the importance of public disclosure and cooperation among all stakeholders. The statement stresses that enforced disappearances are a crime under international law, and it is crucial for states to take all necessary measures to prevent, investigate, and sanction this grave violation of human rights.
Additionally, SUHAKAM remains dedicated to raising awareness about the mandates of human rights mechanisms and strengthening coordination at local, regional, and global levels to combat enforced disappearances. We will continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts, working tirelessly to ensure that such human rights violations do not go unaddressed and that there is accountability for every victim.
SUHAKAM stands resolute in our mission to uphold justice, ensure accountability, and fight against impunity for enforced disappearances. We will not rest until the rights of victims are fully protected, and the perpetrators of these violations are held accountable.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 31 August 2024
MS 
EN