KUALA LUMPUR (10 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) marked Human Rights Day 2024 under the theme “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation”. Co-organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department and the United Nations in Malaysia, the event highlighted the critical role of businesses in advancing human rights.
In his Welcome Address, SUHAKAM Chairman Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md. Yunus stressed that human rights are fundamental obligations enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia’s international commitments. He called for the urgent adoption of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), emphasizing that ethical corporate practices are essential for sustainable economic growth and social justice.
SUHAKAM urged stronger measures to address forced labour, unsafe working conditions and environmental harm, advocating for greater accountability, labour protections and whistleblower empowerment. Emerging threats such as online hate speech and digital exploitation were also identified as urgent challenges requiring a rights-based approach.
The Chairman outlined five key priorities for strengthening Malaysia’s human rights framework:
- Ratification or Accession of International Treaties: Malaysia must take definitive steps to accede to the Refugee Convention of 1951, as well as ratify or accede to the remaining key human rights treaties, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR);
- Promoting Equality: Combat gender inequality, xenophobia and discrimination against marginalized communities;
- Ensuring Access to Justice: Ensuring access to justice is fundamental to a rights-respecting society – this includes strengthening legal aid mechanisms and institutional accountability;
- Enhancing Human Rights Education: Integrate human rights into schools, workplaces and communities – an informed society is better equipped to uphold its rights and respect the rights of others; and
- Advancing Business and Human Rights: Align corporate practices with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
While noting progress made, Mohd Hishamudin emphasized the need for continued reforms to address inequalities and protect vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities, refugees and the urban poor.
He called for collective action from the government, businesses and civil society, stating, “The realization of human rights is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a Malaysia where human rights are not only protected but celebrated”.
Meanwhile, during the event, SUHAKAM Vice Chairman, YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid, who was one of the panellist during the forum, touched on the transition to a green economy is vital for ASEAN, driving sustainable development while protecting the environment for future generations. By creating green jobs in renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and conservation, alongside investments in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal innovation, ASEAN can align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Electrification, biodegradable alternatives and reduced reliance on non-renewables are key steps forward.
“ASEAN must incentivize sustainable practices, penalize harmful activities and ensure corporate accountability. Establishing a Regional Environmental Court, as proposed at the ASEAN MPs Conference on 13 July in Kuala Lumpur, would strengthen governance and environmental justice. These bold steps position ASEAN as a global leader in sustainability, innovation and prosperity”.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 December 2024
MS 
EN