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Thank you, Mr. President,

 

Malaysia is pleased that the Human Rights Council, continues to deliver its mandate, despite the enormous challenges faced, in light of the global pandemic and the UN liquidity crisis. Malaysia believes that the role of the HRC is now more vital than ever, especially as the world rebuilds and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that human rights is kept at the center. In this regard, we commend the excellent work of the Human Rights Council’s 2021 Bureau, under the leadership of Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji. We thank her for her comprehensive report.

 

Mr. President,

 

2.     Malaysia will join the Human Rights Council as a member next year. This is not the first time Malaysia is vying for a seat at the Human Rights Council.  Previous stints at the Council, has allowed Malaysia to learn from other states. The Human Rights Council affords this, as it allows member states to learn from one another as we strive to do better. This is in recognition that no state has a perfect human rights record, but states, including Malaysia constantly desire to improve itself. For Malaysia human rights is alive, dynamic and ever evolving. It is a lifetime journey, not a destination.

 

3.     Our work at the Council will be grounded on constructive engagement, cooperation, inclusivity, transparency and mutual respect in the Council. We look forward to working closely with member states and stakeholders, to contribute actively to the discussion on issues of human rights before the Council.

 

4.     For Malaysia, it is important, that the Council is able to address important issues, share good practices and experiences as well as identify gaps and challenges, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has impacted a myriad of areas inter-linked to human rights. As a Council member, Malaysia intends to prioritise the rights of vulnerable groups particularly children, women, the indigenous people, and the elderly. Malaysia plans to push for the empowerment of youths. In facing climate change, Malaysia will also uphold the access to safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right that needs to be protected and promoted. Malaysia will continue to advocate strongly against human rights violations, such as the systemic oppression of the Palestinian people by Israel and the peoples of Myanmar, particularly the Rohingya by Myanmar’s Military.

 

5.     We welcome the fact, that the Human Rights Council is better equipped this year, using innovation and technology to adequately address and ensure that mandated activities, continue uninterrupted. We also commend the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (the OHCHR), that rapidly adapted its activities to assist Member States and Human Rights bodies and mechanisms to contribute to the global response in fighting the pandemic. Indeed, with a strengthened Council and the support of the OHCHR, efforts to build back better making communities more resilient, anchored to human rights and in line with the 2030 Agenda will be achievable.

 

Mr. President,

 

6.     Malaysia believes the continued exchange of views and consultations on the work of the Human Rights Council would benefit all countries, taking into account each country’s unique domestic situation.  Malaysia firmly believes that in the interest of the promotion and protection of human rights, Member States should ensure genuine dialogue and cooperation towards strengthening the capacity of States to comply with their human rights obligations.

 

7.     We would like to emphasize that it is important for the Human Rights Council to ensure universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the consideration of human rights issues, including the elimination of double standards and politicisation of issues. We are also of the view that any attempts to review the work and functions of the Council should involve all UN Member States, as to ensure that the outcome of the review, on improving the Council’s effectiveness and its mechanisms in deliberating human rights issues, takes into account the views of all regional groups. We need to continue to strengthen the work of the Council by streamlining the Council’s work programme and improve coordination between the Council and its subsidiary mechanisms and bodies.

 

8.     Malaysia will remain steadfast in fulfilling its commitments and obligations as a member of the international community. We will continue to sustain and strengthen our engagement with the Council’s mechanisms and continue to support the work of the OHCHR. Our active participation on the issue of human rights, is a manifestation of Malaysia’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, both at home and globally. 

 

I thank you Mr. President.