KUALA LUMPUR (30 JULY 2025) In conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) reaffirms its unwavering stance that no human being should ever be trafficked, exploited, or treated as a commodity. Human trafficking is a heinous crime and a fundamental violation of human rights, dignity, and freedom. SUHAKAM reaffirms its commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals, and to supporting national and international efforts to combat human trafficking in all its forms.
This year’s theme – “Campaign to highlight the vital role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in dismantling organised trafficking networks while ensuring a victim-centred approach”- is timely and crucial. As trafficking networks become more complex and transnational, a coordinated, right-based, and victim-focused response is critical.
Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and dignity, and it undermines Malaysia’s constitutional values and international obligations.
This position is firmly rooted in Malaysia’s domestic and international legal commitments. Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law”, whilst Article 6 of the same explicitly prohibits slavery and forced labour. These constitutional guarantees align with Malaysia’s obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), including Article 4, which prohibits slavery and servitude, and Article 5, which affirms that “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Malaysia is also a State Party to key international instruments, including the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol), ratified in 2009. Whilst Malaysia’s recent elevation to Tier 2 in the United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2024 marks some progress, SUHAKAM would like to stress here that this should not lead to complacency. Every statistic represents a life of a person stripped of freedom and dignity.
SUHAKAM remains committed to working with our key stakeholders, including the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO), enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to:
- Strengthen victim-centred protection and rehabilitation mechanisms.
- Improve law enforcement responses and prosecution of trafficking cases.
- Promote transparency in labour recruitment and dismantle exploitative syndicates.
- Urge the institutionalisation of a robust framework to better protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
- Accelerating the full implementation of the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP 3.0) 2021-2025.
- Enhancing data collection and public reporting to support evidence-based policymaking and improve accountability.
Human trafficking can only be effectively addressed through a whole of government and whole of society cooperating. Every institution has a role to play, from enforcement and prosecution to rehabilitation and prevention. Crucially, responses must always uphold the dignity, rights and best interest of the victim.
As Malaysia moves forward in building a just and inclusive society, SUHAKAM will continue to speak up against all forms of human trafficking. No person, regardless of status, background or origin, should be treated as invisible. No one deserves to live in bondage.
Let us mark this day not only with words, but through sustained and meaningful action until the chains of exploitation are broken. Human dignity is non-negotiable. Freedom is a right, not a privilege.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 30 July 2025
MS 
EN