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Panel Discussion on “Malaysia's Journey in Implementing Human Rights in Business Practices” on the sidelines of the 54^th Session of the Human Rights Council

 

On 2 October 2023, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN in Geneva organised a panel discussion on “Malaysia's Journey in Implementing Human Rights in Business Practices”, on the sidelines of the 54^th Session of the Human Rights Council.

 

The objective of the event was to share the efforts, challenges and positive experience of Malaysia in developing its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP-BHR).

 

The five panellists invited to share their perspectives were:

 

(i)       Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong, Member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights

(ii)      Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director General for Policy and Development, Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia

(iii)     Mr. Livio Sarandrea, Global Advisor, Business and Human Rights Crisis Bureau, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

(iv)     Mr. Mohd Hairul Fahmi Mohd Harris, Manager, Policy Development & Reporting Sustainability Engagement, FGV Holdings Berhad

(v)      Mr. Ragunath Kesavan, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

 

The panel discussion delved into Malaysia’s experience in implementing human rights in business practices which began in 2019, and the government’s focus on three priority areas, namely (i) governance, (ii) labour; and (iii) environment. Speakers presented their perspectives and shared the good practices, progress and challenges faced in finalising the NAPBHR in Malaysia. While commending Malaysia for its strong commitment in finalising the NAPBHR, speakers also highlighted the need for more awareness raising and capacity building for businesses, as well as to conduct more industry-focused consultations and stakeholders’ engagements to better ensure human rights is promoted and protected in the business sector in Malaysia.

 

The panel discussion demonstrated Malaysia’s proactiveness in sharing its experience relating to its constructive engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms ahead of its 4^th cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2024. It also spoke to the Government of Malaysia’s strong commitment and high priority in ensuring more human rights compliance for businesses in the country.