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INTERVENTION BY

MR. AHMAD RADZI MOHD ZIM

LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

DURING THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH

MR. FELIPE GONZÁLEZ MORALES

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 18 OCTOBER 2022

 

 

Madam Chair,

 

Malaysia would like to thank Special Rapporteur for his briefing.

 

Migration is a global challenge which requires the sharing of responsibilities. Countries of origin, transit and destination need to cooperate closely and assign high priority on migration-related issues. We must exert best efforts to protect refugees and migrants in accordance with international law, with special emphasis on vulnerable groups. Most importantly, we must also focus on addressing the root causes of migration, especially irregular migration.

 

Madam Chair,

 

As a host country to among the largest population of migrant workers in Southeast Asia, Malaysia faces its fair share of challenges. These include issues related to trafficking in persons and transnational organised crime. While the Government’s main focus is to ensure that our sovereignty, territorial integrity and security are not compromised, due attention is also given towards the protection of migrants.

 

Malaysia has put in place relevant laws and bilateral mechanisms to ensure that the rights of migrants, including their families, are respected and protected. These include their right to freedom from discrimination, equal remuneration, safety and healthcare, and freedom from violence. In addition, the Government also works closely with non-governmental organisations with regard to rights of migrants.

 

Madam Chair,

 

Despite facing resource constraints, Malaysia will continue to improve its protection of migrants to the best of our ability. Our question to Special Rapporteur is as follows, what are some examples of best practices that the Special Rapporteur has observed vis-à-vis the protection of migrants, which should be emulated by other countries?

 

I thank you.