Template PS 2024

MEREALISASIKAN HAK PENDIDIKAN KANAK-KANAK PELARIAN DAN TANPA KEWARGANEGARAAN DI MALAYSIA

by Write up

19 Jun 2024

Pendidikan adalah salah satu daripada hak asasi manusia daripada lima hak ekonomi, sosial dan kebudayaan yang tersenarai dalam Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR). Menurut Artikel 26 dalam UDHR, setiap orang itu sepatutnya berhak kepada pendidikan wajib yang percuma, sekurang-kurangnya di peringkat rendah dan asas. Selain itu, hak setiap kanak-kanak untuk menerima pendidikan rendah yang percuma dan wajib ditekankan sekali lagi melalui Artikel 28 dalam Konvensyen mengenai Hak Kanak-Kanak (CRC) yang mana Malaysia telah menjadi Negara Pihak pada 17 Februari 1995. Walau bagaimanapun, Kerajaan Malaysia membuat pengecualian kepada Artikel ini, khususnya terhadap Artikel 28(1)(a) kerana pendidikan peringkat rendah yang wajib dan percuma hanya diberikan kepada kanak-kanak bertaraf warganegara Malaysia sahaja. Hal ini kelihatan bercanggah dengan semangat kesejagatan dan usaha mempromosi prinsip keadilan serta kesaksamaan yang dibawa oleh Artikel 3 dalam Perisytiharan Pendidikan untuk Semua yang mana Malaysia adalah salah satu negara yang berpihak dengannya.

Bersempena dengan Hari Pelarian Sedunia yang ke-50 pada 20 Jun 2024 bagi memperingati ulang tahun Konvensyen Pelarian 1951, Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) ingin membicarakan mengenai hak kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan di Malaysia.

Sejarah awal pelarian di Malaysia bermula dengan ketibaan pelarian dari Vietnam pada tahun 1975. Serentak dengan ketibaan pelarian dari Vietnam itu, Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Tinggi untuk Pelarian, Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNHCR) memulakan operasinya membantu kerajaan Malaysia dalam memberikan perlindungan dan bantuan kepada pelarian Vietnam sebelum mereka ditempatkan di negara ketiga. Sehingga kini, data menunjukkan terdapat seramai 50,000 orang kanak-kanak pelarian tinggal di Malaysia. Malaysia pula masih belum meratifikasi dua konvensyen berkenaan dengan pelarian iaitu Konvensyen Pelarian 1951 dan Protokol mengenai Status Pelarian 1967 serta bukan juga negara ahli kepada Konvensyen Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) berkaitan Status Orang Tanpa Kewarganegaraan 1954 dan Konvensyen mengenai Pengurangan Orang Tanpa Kewarganegaraan 1961.

Selain itu, Akta Imigresen 1996/63 tidak membezakan pelarian, pemohon suaka, individu tanpa kewarganegaraan dan tidak berdokumen kerana ketiadaan rangka undang-undang bagi menangani isu pelarian dan isu individu tanpa kewarganegaraan di Malaysia. Hal ini turut memberikan kesan kepada kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan yang mana mereka dinafikan atau disekat akses kepada pendidikan.

Dalam memastikan bahawa hak kanak-kanak di Malaysia bersifat inklusif, SUHAKAM bersama rakan kolaborasi yang menjalankan usaha menangani isu kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan di Malaysia telah melancarkan satu laporan Ringkasan Dasar yang berjudul, “Merealisasikan Hak Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Pelarian dan Tanpa Kewarganegaraan di Malaysia” pada 7 Disember 2023 di Kuala Lumpur. Laporan ini disediakan hasil daripada konsultasi dengan agensi kerajaan yang berkaitan termasuk dari Sabah dan Sarawak yang bertujuan untuk memahami isu akses pendidikan yang dihadapi oleh kanak-kanak yang terkesan dan menyokong usaha Kerajaan Malaysia dalam memenuhi aspirasi pendidikan kanak-kanak selaras dengan moto Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Sains dan Kebudayaan PBB (UNESCO) iaitu education for all atau pendidikan untuk semua.

Laporan Ringkasan Dasar tersebut menggariskan bahawa walaupun Perkara 12 Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang dibaca bersama dengan Perkara 8 secara prinsipnya menekankan tentang hak kepada pendidikan yang tidak terhad kepada warganegara sahaja, namun undang-undang yang sedia ada iaitu Akta Pendidikan 1996 membataskan kanak- kanak bukan warganegara daripada menerima hak kepada pendidikan. Keadaan ini selanjutnya mewujudkan diskriminasi dalam hak pendidikan kepada kanak-kanak bukan warganegara.

Selain daripada itu, Akta Kanak-Kanak 2001 juga merupakan salah satu usaha untuk melindungi kepentingan terbaik semua kanak-kanak di Malaysia. Pada tahun 2019, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) telah mewujudkan Dasar Penolakan Sifar yang mana tiada kanak-kanak yang dikecualikan daripada akses kepada pendidikan. Walau bagaimanapun, KPM telah melaksanakan semakan kepada prosedur kemasukan kepada dasar tersebut pada Mac 2022 yang mana dasar tersebut dijelaskan sebagai dasar yang ditujukan kepada kanak-kanak berkeperluan khas sahaja.

Dalam hal ini, SUHAKAM berpandangan bahawa dasar tersebut perlu diperluas semula kepada semua kanak-kanak, termasuklah kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan tanpa perlu mengehadkannya kepada kanak-kanak berkeperluan khas sahaja. Setakat ini, kanak-kanak pelarian hanya menerima pendidikan tidak formal atau pendidikan alternatif seperti di Alternative Learning Centres (ALC) atau pusat pembelajaran alternatif sahaja. Daripada 34% kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan yang berdaftar dengan ALC, didapati bahawa sebanyak 2/3 daripadanya tiada akses kepada sebarang bentuk pendidikan. Dalam pada itu, Deklarasi Kuala Lumpur mengenai Hak dan Akses kepada Pendidikan untuk Pelarian yang mana Malaysia telah memberi komitmen terhadapnya pada tahun 2022, menyeru supaya kanak-kanak pelarian turut dimasukkan dalam sistem pendidikan kebangsaan di negara anggota ASEAN. Deklarasi tersebut diwujudkan berpaksikan kepada ayat 100, Surah An-Nisa’ dalam Al-Qur’an yang mana Allah SWT telah berfirman, “Dan barangsiapa berhijrah di jalan Allah, nescaya mereka akan mendapatkan di bumi ini tempat hijrah yang luas dan (rezeki) yang banyak”.

SUHAKAM ingin berkongsi amalan terbaik di negara Thailand yang mempunyai Dasar Pendidikan untuk Semua dan membenarkan semua kanak-kanak tanpa mengira status atau latar belakang untuk menerima pendidikan yang sejagat secara percuma di sekolah awam. Dalam kalangan 95,000 orang pelarian di Thailand, seramai 36% daripadanya adalah kanak-kanak, dan seramai 145,000 orang kanak-kanak pelarian adalah berdaftar di sekolah awam. Kerajaan Thailand turut mempermudah pendaftaran sijil kelahiran rasmi bagi kanak-kanak yang dilahirkan di Thailand tanpa mengira status atau latar belakang mereka melalui Akta Pendaftaran Sivil 2008 sekaligus membolehkan kanak-kanak menerima pendidikan rendah selama 12 tahun secara percuma. Hal ini selaras dengan penekanan Kerajaan Thailand kepada pendidikan wajib kanak-kanak selama sembilan tahun dalam Akta Pendidikan Thailand.

Penemuan utama yang dirakamkan dalam laporan Ringkasan Dasar adalah mengenai jurang dan cabaran kepada akses pendidikan dalam kalangan kanak- kanak pelarian serta tanpa kewarganegaraan iaitu kekangan bahasa, kekangan kewangan dan dana peruntukan bagi pembiayaan pendidikan yang terhad, ketiadaan dokumentasi, infrastruktur yang tidak mencukupi, kekangan undang-undang terutamanya undang-undang berkenaan kewarganegaraan dan kurangnya penglibatan ibu bapa.

Akhir sekali, laporan Ringkasan Dasar tersebut menyediakan tiga syor utama dan cadangan kepada agensi kerajaan yang terlibat iaitu meningkatkan akses pendidikan formal kepada kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaraan, berusaha memupuk sistem pendidikan kebangsaan yang lebih inklusif dan berusaha menyediakan bantuan melalui inisiatif pendidikan yang sedia ada.

SUHAKAM berpandangan bahawa pendidikan adalah jalan keluar daripada kitaran kemiskinan, penderaan dan eksploitasi kanak-kanak pelarian dan tanpa kewarganegaran. Hal ini kerana, tanpa pendidikan, golongan kanak-kanak ini tidak berpeluang untuk mengubah masa hadapan seperti berhijrah ke negara ketiga bagi penempatan semula. Justeru, SUHAKAM mengesyorkan agar usaha sama di antara agensi kerajaan khususnya Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Kementerian Dalam Negeri dan badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) dapat dipertingkatkan agar sekolah alternatif yang dijalankan oleh NGO dapat diberikan pengiktirafan yang sewajarnya di samping memberikan kelonggaran kepada golongan kanak-kanak yang terkesan untuk menyertai sekolah awam yang terdapat kekurangan pelajar.

Disediakan oleh Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Poster WRITE up

A Year of Paradoxes: Human Rights Triumphs and Challenges in 2023

by FeaturedWrite up

The year 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was a paradoxical period in human rights history. This pivotal year celebrated the strides made since the Declaration’s inception while also confronting the harsh realities of ongoing human rights crises across the globe.

Global Human Rights Challenges

Despite this milestone, we witnessed grave violations of human rights that shook the global community.  We condemn the attack and taking of hostages and killing of Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023 but the disproportionate attack and killings of more than 20000 civilians and the annihilation of Gaza by the full might of the Israeli army with full support from the United States is genocide.

The role of external powers, especially the United States, in the Gaza conflict has underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and hypocrisy on international human rights and its universality. The United States unconditional support for Israel with a caveat that “killing of civilians in Gaza should be in a gentle and kinder manner” or “civilian deaths should be minimised” is shocking untenable and so obviously skewered that Palestinian lives matter much less than Israeli ones.

This stance, coupled with the United States’ complicity in providing military aid and support, exposed a harsh truth: even powerful states blatantly condone or escalate human right abuses whenever convenient or suitable for their political purpose.

SUHAKAM continues to fully support and endorse the Government’s initiative in advocating for international action against Israel. SUHAKAM shall rally support from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) globally, at both regional and international forums, and through any other feasible actions necessary to promote this objective.

This commitment underlines the importance of collaborative efforts and international solidarity in addressing and resolving human rights violations on a global scale.

Human Rights Progress in Malaysia

We welcome the Government’s efforts to address human rights issues domestically, such as significant legislative reforms which includes the repeal, amendment, and enactment of various laws. Notably, the Government abolished the mandatory death penalty, expanded the scope and ambit of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and proceeded to decriminalise suicide.

Additionally, the introduction of an anti-stalking provision under Section 507A of the Penal Code and the emphasis on mental health protection are examples of meaningful progress made in 2023.

The Federal Court has also been proactive through judicial activism in the strengthening of rights pursuant to the Federal Constitution in striking out ruling that Section 498 of the Penal Code which stated that enticing married women was unconstitutional as it violated the principle of equality.

Numerous decisions of the Courts in upholding citizenship rights of children that had long been neglected and ignored by the Government, have now been restored their citizenship as provided for under the Federal Constitution. We urge the Government to steadfastly proceed with institutional reforms especially in respect of citizenship provisions to ensure that our children would not be “punished” under the guise of national security.

The restructuring and separation of the role of the Public Prosecutor is ongoing and reforms to all the major enforcement agencies including the prisons must be carried out to enhance accountability and transparency.

The Government must ensure that there will be strict adherence to the rule of law and proceed to amend or repeal various provisions the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and The Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) to ensure that rights of accused persons are protected to the full extent of the law.         

Institutional Reforms and Ambitious Goals

The amendments to SUHAKAM Act were a significant stride towards ensuring that SUHAKAM’s operation will be carried out independently and with integrity. This amendment underscores the Government’s dedication to human rights and reflects a commitment to inclusive and diverse representation such as gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Commission. Through the amendment, SUHAKAM aims to better safeguard and promote human rights within Malaysia, ensuring that all societal groups are adequately represented, and their rights are duly protected. Furthermore, the Bill also aims to strengthen the Children Commissioner’s role by institutionalizing and expanding the Office of Children’s Commissioner (OCC) within SUHAKAM.

As a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in Malaysia, it is important to maintaining a team of Commissioners who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed their work towards the protection and promotion of the rights of marginalised communities and vulnerable groups such as children, women, and persons with disabilities.

The Road Ahead for SUHAKAM

Looking ahead to 2024, SUHAKAM continues to focus on laying the groundwork for Malaysia’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICCPED), the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), and the 1951 Refugee Convention. Our goal for 2024 includes intensifying our efforts to address poverty among teenage girls and preparing white papers on climate change, prison reform, and refugees. We acknowledge the importance of community engagement in highlighting human rights awareness, and hence we will continue our work with communities and monitoring of all detention places.

At the international level, SUHAKAM, in collaboration with fellow Southeast Asian National Human Rights Institutions, will move forward with initiative to establish a public inquiry panel which has been designed to tackle cross-border human rights challenges effectively within the region.

SUHAKAM pledged to remain steadfast in our commitment to address the issues faced by all vulnerable groups.  We are also looking forward to delving into and exploring emerging issues, such as the interplay between digital rights, technology, and their impact on human rights.

Despite the complexities and challenges encountered in 2023, SUHAKAM would like to extend our greatest gratitude for the unwavering support to all of our stakeholders. Their commitment in creating a safer environment for human rights protection, both in Malaysia and abroad, remains, offering a beacon of hope as we grapple with intricate human rights issues in Malaysia and also worldwide. As we move into 2024 and beyond, SUHAKAM’s resolve to stand firm in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world underscores their dedication to protecting and upholding human rights for all.

1

SUHAKAM turns 24 as it readies for new phase in its mission

by Write up

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/681859

(Sept 8): I was an undergraduate student at the University of Malaya when I first heard Suhakam, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, being mentioned. The country at that time was going through political turmoil with the sacking of then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Public anger was high, and not surprisingly, the government was experiencing a trust deficit.

Many were critical towards the establishment of Suhakam and eyed it with suspicion. Some questioned its ability to be impartial and devoid of political interference. Hence, it was a surprise that on September 9, 1999, the Malaysian Parliament gazetted the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act without any dissent. The speed of the establishment of the Commission was even more surprising, for within six months Malaysia had a fully functioning Commission. As of April 24, 2000 Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia or Suhakam was established with the appointment of 13 Commissioners. The first chairperson being Tun Musa Hitam who happened to be the person who first mooted the idea of Suhakam in 1994, during his tenure as Malaysia’s representative to the United Nations Commission of Human Rights (UNCHR).

At the time of its establishment, not all segments of society welcomed Suhakam. Even today some still feel that it is a Western-centric institution not compatible with local culture and religious beliefs. However, if we were to look back at the 1990s, it was the decade when the world saw a surge in demand for human rights never seen since the end of World War II. The fall of the Iron Curtain, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the democratisation of Latin America that steadily gave rise to demands of accountability and transparency and the brutality of the Balkan wars that shocked the world with crimes against humanity and genocide, spurred the discourse of human rights globally.

I recall being in Moscow for a semester during the height of the Kosovo war and seeing the rise of toxic nationalism affecting the region first-hand. It was impossible for Malaysia not to be affected as the whole world was gripped by what was happening — the demand for human rights was coming from all corners of the world.

Over the years, Suhakam has proved that it is able to stand its ground albeit with some hiccups here and there. It has worked tirelessly in raising awareness about human rights issues in the country and has been consistent in advocating for the protection of fundamental freedoms. It has collaborated closely with the government in advocating for our national laws to be aligned with international human rights standards. Among the laws that we played a role in are the Employment Act 1955, the Persons with Disability Act 2008 and the Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, to name a few.

In terms of international treaties and conventions, the ratification of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) are among the most notable, though more work needs to be done on removing reservations and improving implementation.

Being the only independent body able to conduct an investigation into human rights violations signifies the importance of Suhakam for the public, particularly for victims and their families. On average, during the pre-Covid years, Suhakam received more than 1,000 complaints yearly. The cases that have come to Suhakam include police misconduct, custodial deaths, and indigenous land rights. Among the well-known cases are the Wang Kelian report, the national inquiry on indigenous land rights and the public inquiry on forced disappearances.

Hence, it is without doubt that Suhakam is important for the country. By having a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), it shows the country’s commitment in safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedom of its people. Its seriousness in promoting equality and social justice and accepting the importance of human rights in the development of a fair and inclusive society are important guideposts for the nation.

To me, Suhakam is the product of our time, a much-needed institution to champion and defend the rights of all, but especially more so, the vulnerable and the weak. These past 24 years, we have had several successes and achievements, though it should be noted that assessment can be subjective. Nevertheless, Suhakam’s reaccredited status of ‘A’ by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is proof that we are on the right track. GANHRI is the largest network of NHRIs representing 110 NHRIs and is a trusted partner of the United Nations. While NHRIs are defined by national law the guidelines that set the minimum standards required for an NHRI is known as the Paris Principle.

The work of Suhakam is not easy; it faces many challenges. Malaysia is a diverse country with people of various ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity can sometimes lead to tensions and conflicts related to human rights issues, such as religious freedom and minority rights. While not denying the tension and conflict, this does not erase the universality of human rights principles.

Clearly, more effort is needed for Suhakam to engage with all segments of society. This is why the proposed new amendment to the Suhakam Act which is waiting to be tabled to Parliament will further strengthen Suhakam’s role as well as bolster the relationship between Suhakam and Parliament in line with the Belgrade and Paris Principles.

Despite the challenges faced, I envision Suhakam to not only continue playing a crucial role in advocating for human rights in Malaysia but further grow and evolve in tandem with the expansion of human rights issues. The aftermath of the global Covid-19 pandemic has pushed us back. According to the report ‘Unprecedented and Unfinished: Covid-19 and Implications for National and Global Policy’ published by the International Science Council, one critical example is education; lost education is one of the worst consequences of the pandemic, and its effects could be felt until the end of the century.

The World Health Organization foresees that the economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic will put tens of millions of people at risk of falling into extreme poverty. This year, over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due to the pandemic and war in Ukraine, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. This will make the role of human rights in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals even more critical, not to mention the threat of climate change, which is basically threatening our very existence as a species and the future disruption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

While AI technology can help development it also has the potential to negatively impact human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The saying goes that we are borrowing the planet from our children but what kind of world are we leaving for them? Post-Covid-19, our youths are becoming more disillusioned and do not see much hope in the future. A 2021 study by Unicef Malaysia showed that 20% of inner-city children have lost interest in schooling and do not plan to return.

So as Suhakam enters adulthood, my hope is that it will reach out to more youths, by working together to address the old and new challenges of human rights for a better future. Including the voices of youths is important if we are to make meaningful and sustainable changes in protecting the rights and dignity of all.

To quote the honourable President Mandela, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

So, with that, I wish Suhakam a happy 24th birthday and may you continue to uphold and protect human rights in Malaysia.

Altaf Deviyati is the Secretary of Suhakam, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

TIP Cover

World Day against Trafficking in Persons: Shedding Light on the Shadows

by FeaturedWrite up

Imagine a world where human beings are traded like commodities, robbed of their freedom, and subjected to unspeakable horrors. It is a reality that exists in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of society. But today, we vow to bring this hidden world into the light, reach every victim of trafficking, and leave no one behind.

In this battle against human trafficking, education is the greatest weapon. Through awareness and understanding, we can empower ourselves and others to recognize the signs, break the silence, and take action. It’s about choosing to open our eyes, coming together, and saying, “Enough is enough!”

Is Forced Labour Human Trafficking?

Forced labour represents[1] a grim reality where victims are compelled or involuntarily made to work under harsh and exploitative circumstances. This distressing outcome often arises from human trafficking, where victims become vulnerable and controlled, leading to their exploitation in forced labour, resembling modern-day slavery. It is deeply intertwined with this insidious crime.

Like two sides of the same coin, they share a connection that cannot be ignored. In the minds of many, the terms “forced labour” and “trafficking in persons” are used interchangeably although they’re very distinct. It is a stark reminder that even within the intricate web of human trafficking, forced labour stands tall as a distinct but closely related manifestation of one of the most severe forms of exploitation that needs to be prohibited.

The Stories of Survivors[2]

Back in 2015, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and Fortify Rights had published a report entitled “Sold Like Fish”. This report was based on investigations carried out over a number of years involving large numbers of human trafficking victims from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Thailand and Malaysia from 2012 to 2015. The report contains stories and experiences of brave souls who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering.

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“We only had skin and bones.” – Rohingya woman, 25, from Aung Mingalar, Sittwe

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“Every day, someone died.” – “Rahim Ullah”, 16, Rohingya trafficking survivor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2014 

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Their resilience inspires us to fight for justice and to create a world where no one is forced into modern-day slavery.

The traffickers did not spare children from the beatings.  A Rohingya widow, 27, and her five children from Sittwe Township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State boarded a ship operated by human traffickers in March 2015, she shared that:

“Sometimes, the crew would beat the children. My children were beaten. Whenever the children cried, they would be beaten. At lunchtime, when the children started to get hungry, they’d cry; at this time, the crew would beat them. The beating wasn’t very forceful, but the children would be in pain for a couple of days. Their skin bruised and became swollen.”

The survivor’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that can arise in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their experience underscores the critical need to support and empower survivors, raise awareness, and hold traffickers accountable.

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Twenty-year-old Foyas said he witnessed dozens of deaths during his three-week period of confinement in a makeshift human-trafficking camp on the Malaysia – Thailand border in early 2014:

“The rain caused many problems. Many people died. Many people were swelling. At least 30 people died.”

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“Fatima”, 20, said traffickers beat her husband while they were at sea:

“The dallals beat people who asked for more food or water, including my husband. The dallals beat my husband at least five times. They hit him with a stick, and he suffered some bleeding and injuries. Some people were so thirsty, they started drinking seawater.“

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We must remember that human trafficking knows no boundaries, it happens on the land and on the sea. It transcends borders, cultures, and social classes. It infiltrates our communities, preying on vulnerability and desperation.

Climate Change is the New Threat[3]

Climate change significantly amplifies the risk of human trafficking, especially among marginalized communities. Environmental fluctuations exacerbate factors like economic challenges, gender and identity discrimination, inadequate legal safeguards, and ongoing conflicts, thereby increasing the vulnerability to human trafficking. Additionally, as climate change induces migration, the likelihood of human trafficking escalates, further impacting more severely certain groups, including migrants, women, children, and minority populations, who are more exposed to exploitation due to these circumstances.

Climate change increases the risk of natural disasters, exacerbates poverty, and creates conditions for conflict and instability. Combined with labour demand-supply mismatches and unscrupulous recruitment agencies, vulnerable populations resort to risky behaviours, falling prey to human trafficking and exploitation. Sadly, this climate-trafficking nexus remains overlooked in global discussions and policy frameworks.

Unwavering Hope: Malaysia’s Journey in Combating Human Trafficking

Even in the face of challenges, there is hope. Malaysia’s journey through the United States’ Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, is a tale of resilience and progress.  Over the span of a decade, Malaysia underwent a transformative journey in combating human trafficking.

Initially placed in “Tier 3” in 2013-2014, the nation grappled with significant challenges.  However, progress made in 2015-2016 propelled Malaysia to the “Tier 2 Watch List”, marking a notable improvement in its efforts. Malaysia was in “Tier 2” in 2017, indicating that the Government had made significant commitments to ensure improvement of its compliance.  However, from 2018 to 2020, Malaysia was categorised on the Tier 2 Watch List and in 2021 and 2022 declined to Tier 3.

Yet, the narrative shifts towards hope again in 2023. Malaysia reclaims its position on the “Tier 2 Watch List”, showcasing progress in combating human trafficking.

These placements indicate how Malaysia is assessed by the U.S. Government in meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, as outlined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). “Tier 3” denotes the lowest compliance level, “Tier 2 Watch List” includes governments striving to meet Tier 2 standards but haven’t achieved full compliance as yet and “Tier 2” represents significant efforts towards compliance.

We can be the change-makers

In the light of this, SUHAKAM, together with Government agencies and supportive stakeholders have played a crucial role in raising awareness and combatting human trafficking in the country. The commission has noted its grave concern over the issue and has openly urged the Government to take effective measures by enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to address human trafficking.

Education and awareness are emphasized by SUHAKAM as critical tools to tackle human trafficking. To this end, SUHAKAM has provided extensive training for law enforcement officials, civil society organizations, and the general public to increase their understanding of this issue and enhance their ability to combat it. In the realm of justice, SUHAKAM has been urging for full protection and assistance to be provided to trafficked and smuggled victims, aligned with international standards set by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.[4]

Bring the voices of hope for the voiceless

This year as we commemorate “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”, we stand united with a shared purpose, let our commitment be to reach every victim of trafficking, leaving no one behind. From the standpoint of SUHAKAM, we wholeheartedly offer our strong support and unwavering encouragement in the fight against trafficking in persons. Complaints regarding human trafficking have constantly been lodged with SUHAKAM over the years. Although it is not an enforcement agency for transnational crimes, SUHAKAM has been acting as a bridge between complainants and enforcement agencies to ensure that immediate and appropriate action is taken on every complaint. SUHAKAM also regularly inspect shelters for trafficking victims, advocating for heightened awareness and upholding their human rights from rescue to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Together, we can protect the rights and dignity of every individual, eradicate trafficking networks, and provide the necessary support for survivors to rebuild their lives. Let’s create a world where no one falls victim to such atrocities, and where human rights are upheld for all.

[1] International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), Article 2(1) defines forced labour as: “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself [or herself] voluntarily”.

[2] “Sold Like Fish” Crimes Against Humanity, Mass Graves, and Human Trafficking from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Malaysia from 2012 to 2015 (2019)

Penyelidikan & Laporan Tematik

[3] United States Department of State: 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report)

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Trafficking-in-Persons-Report-2023.pdf

[4] SUHAKAM Press Statement No.18-2023_ Malaysia’s Improved Ranking in U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report Demonstrates Progress in Combating Human Trafficking https://suhakam.org.my/2023/06/press-statement-no-18-2023_-malaysias-improved-ranking-in-u-s-trafficking-in-persons-report-demonstrates-progress-in-combating-human-trafficking-kenyataan-media-suhakam-no-18-2023_kedudukan-mala/#:~:text=SUHAKAM%20commends%20the%20concerted%20efforts,potential%20sanctions%20on%20local%20products.

HARI ANTARABANGSA MENGENAI PENGHAPUSAN SEGALA BENTUK DISKRIMINASI KAUM

by Write up

Diskriminasi kaum, perkauman dan xenophobia

Diskriminasi kaum merupakan isu yang telah lama berlarutan dan memberi kesan kepada orang ramai di seluruh dunia. Kemunculan pandemik COVID-19 pada awal 2020 menyaksikan peningkatan diskriminasi kaum terhadap bukan warganegara dan minoriti di banyak tempat di seluruh dunia termasuk di Malaysia.

Artikel 1 Konvensyen Antarabangsa Mengenai Penghapusan Segala Bentuk Diskriminasi Kaum (ICERD) mentakrifkan "diskriminasi kaum" sebagai sebarang perbezaan, pengecualian, sekatan atau keutamaan berdasarkan kaum, warna kulit, keturunan, atau asal usul kebangsaan atau etnik yang mempunyai tujuan atau kesan membatalkan atau menjejaskan pengiktirafan, kenikmatan atau pelaksanaan, atas landasan hak asasi manusia yang sama dan kebebasan asasi dalam politik, ekonomi, sosial, budaya atau mana-mana bidang kehidupan awam yang lain.

Diskriminasi kaum adalah bertentangan dengan prinsip kesaksamaan di bawah Seksyen 8(1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia yang menyatakan bahawa Semua orang adalah sama rata di sisi undang-undang dan berhak mendapat perlindungan yang sama rata di sisi undang-undang.

Diskriminasi kaum tertumpu kepada tindakan diskriminasi, perkauman pula cenderung kepada sikap berat sebelah, prasangka, diskriminasi atau kebencian yang dicerminkan dalam sikap, amalan dan kepercayaan seseorang yang boleh menjurus kepada diskriminasi dan pengecualian disebabkan oleh warna kulit, etnik atau asal usul bangsa mereka.

“Kata-kata perkauman dan tindak balas xenofobia di Malaysia”

Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang terdiri daripada pelbagai etnik. Berdasarkan data kebangsaan 2021, penduduk Malaysia dianggarkan seramai 32.7 juta orang termasuk 2.7 juta bukan warganegara.[1] UNHCR telah melaporkan bahawa sehingga akhir Januari 2022, terdapat kira-kira 181,510 pelarian dan pencari suaka berdaftar dengan UNHCR di Malaysia.

Ketika Malaysia bergelut dengan penularan wabak COVID-19 pada tahun 2020, kita menyaksikan pelbagai kenyataan berbaur perkauman dan sentimen xenofobia terhadap warga asing di Malaysia termasuk desakan agar mereka pulang ke negara asal. Ada kalanya orang awam dan ahli politik sering menggambarkan pekerja asing dan pelarian berpotensi sebagai ancaman kepada keselamatan negara serta boleh menjejaskan pembangunan sosial dan ekonomi negara. Namun begitu, tindakan positif Kerajaan dalam menangani COVID-19 termasuk menyediakan ujian dan rawatan COVID-19 secara percuma kepada pendatang asing, pekerja tanpa izin, pelarian dan pencari suaka serta mengagihkan bekalan makanan melalui Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat dan CSO telah membantu mengurangkan sentimen xenofobia orang ramai terhadap mereka.

"Mengapa Diskriminasi Perkauman, Perkauman dan Xenophobia bertentangan dengan hak asasi manusia"

Perkauman, xenofobia, diskriminasi dan sikap tidak bertoleransi telah menjejaskan masyarakat di mana-mana sahaja. Perkauman bukan sahaja memudaratkan kehidupan mereka yang mengalaminya, tetapi juga kepada masyarakat secara keseluruhan dan ia meningkatkan rasa tidak percaya kerana ia menimbulkan syak wasangka antara satu sama lain dan memecah belahkan perpaduan sosial. Perkauman dan diskriminasi kaum wujud dalam pelbagai bentuk dan memberi kesan kepada banyak aspek kehidupan seseorang termasuk keupayaan untuk mencari pekerjaan, akses sama rata kepada pendidikan, perumahan kesihatan, makanan, air atau mendapatkan layanan yang adil dalam perundangan.

“Menuju ke arah Perpaduan Negara dan Kesepaduan Sosial”

Menurut Indeks Keamanan Global (GPI) 2020, yang dikendalikan oleh Institut Ekonomi & Keamanan (IEP), Malaysia berada di kedudukan ke-23 negara paling aman di dunia. Memandangkan masyarakat Malaysia yang berbilang kaum dengan pelbagai agama dan etnik, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mengakui bahawa terdapat cabaran dalam mengekalkan kestabilan dan keamanan negara.

Namun begitu, kepelbagaian yang kita ada di sini boleh dianggap sebagai salah satu kekuatan negara, dengan syarat kita diteguhkan oleh empat komponen utama iaitu hubungan sosial, kebersamaan, orientasi ke arah kebaikan bersama dan kesaksamaan. Komponen ini memerlukan tadbir urus yang baik dan rasa hormat terhadap hak asasi manusia.[2]

SUHAKAM memuji tindakan Kerajaan menerima kesemua saranan yang dikemukakan kepada Malaysia melalui Penilaian Berkala Sejagat (UPR) ketiga oleh Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia (HRC) pada 2018 mengenai perpaduan nasional bagi mengekalkan perpaduan sosial di negara ini diikuti dengan pelancaran Dasar dan Pelan Tindakan Perpaduan Negara 2021-2030 pada 2021.[3]

Dasar itu menggariskan antara lain, usaha berterusan untuk memperkukuh perpaduan dan integrasi nasional berlandaskan Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan Rukun Negara (Falsafah Kebangsaan) yang bertujuan membentuk identiti nasional yang berteraskan semangat patriotisme, mengambil berat, saling hormat-menghormati dan bertanggungjawab, serta penghayatan untuk memupuk dan mengukuhkan perpaduan rakyat. Selaras dengan Keluarga Malaysia aspirasi, kita harus berusaha ke arah kebersamaan, memastikan standard kewarganegaraan dan menghormati maruah sesama kita, berbanding hanya membiarkan kehidupan kita ditentukan oleh peraturan majoriti sehingga mengetepikan orang lain.  

Membangunkan aspirasi dan dasar adalah penting. Namun begitu, apa yang lebih kritikal ialah keberkesanan pelaksanaan yang harus dipantau dengan baik bagi menggalakkan keharmonian negara, perpaduan, perdamaian, integrasi dan tanpa diskriminasi. Ini termasuk penggubalan undang-undang berkaitan yang memberi fokus kepada penambahbaikan, melindungi dan menggalakkan hubungan kaum/etnik yang bermanfaat.

“Semua manusia dilahirkan bebas dan sama rata dari segi maruah dan hak”

Ini adalah masa yang tepat untuk mengingatkan semua rakyat Malaysia hakikat yang menyedihkan bahawa perkauman yang menebal, pelbagai bentuk diskriminasi kaum dan sikap tidak bertoleransi sememangnya berlaku di Malaysia. Kita mesti bangkit untuk menghapuskan perkara ini daripada masyarakat kita.  

Perkauman, xenofobia dan sikap tidak bertolak ansur boleh menimbulkan kebencian dan ketidakpercayaan, sekali gus menghalang sebarang percubaan untuk memahami keadaan mereka yang terkesan, dan juga boleh menghalang usaha untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang empati dan harmoni.

Sudah tiba masanya untuk bergerak melangkaui aras perpaduan dan membasmi diskriminasi kaum yang telah berdekad menjadi sistemik. Perkara 1 dan 2 Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR)[4] mengisytiharkan bahawa semua manusia dilahirkan bebas dan sama rata dari segi maruah dan hak, dan setiap orang berhak mendapat semua hak dan kebebasan yang ditetapkan di dalamnya, tanpa sebarang perbezaan. Ucapan kebencian, stereotaip kaum, politik perkauman serta menyasarkan pelarian dan pekerja asing dalam serangan media sosial dan petisyen yang menggesa penghantaran pulang mereka mesti dihentikan.

SUHAKAM berpegang teguh pada pendiriannya bahawa semua manusia, tanpa mengira latar belakang, bangsa dan negara, layak dilayan dengan penuh hormat dan bermaruah. Dalam memperingati Hari Antarabangsa Penghapusan Segala Bentuk Diskriminasi Kaum yang disambut setiap tahun pada 22 Mac, kita haruslah menentang prasangka perkauman dan sikap tidak bertoleransi kerana pada dasarnya, perkauman adalah salah dari segi moral. Keupayaan untuk menilai sesuatu melangkaui agama, bangsa, keturunan atau tempat lahir adalah satu perkara yang perlu dipupuk dalam masyarakat berbilang kaum yang harmoni seperti di Malaysia. Perkauman, diskriminasi kaum dan xenofobia tidak mempunyai tempat dalam mana-mana masyarakat.  

[1] Current Population Estimates Malaysia, 2021 https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=155&bul_id=ZjJOSnpJR21sQWVUcUp6ODRudm5JZz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09

[2] Search for Common Ground global training modules, the United Nations Development Program

[3] A national policy on unity will be introduced to promote social cohesiveness and harmony as well as capitalise on diversity as an asset to strengthen national unity.

[4] The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a historic document which outlined the rights and freedoms everyone is entitled to