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STATEMENT: REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL [ITEM 67], 5 NOVEMBER 2020

STATEMENT BY 
MR. AZRIL BIN ABD AZIZ 
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

ON ITEM 67: REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF
THE 75TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, 5 NOVEMBER 2020

 

 

Thank you Mr President,

Malaysia is pleased that the Human Rights Council could still deliver its mandate amid the unprecedented global pandemic and UN liquidity crisis, which have created enormous challenges to States and the Council mechanisms alike. In this regard, we value the good work of the Human Rights Council 2020 Bureau led by Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger.

2.   We note that several scheduled meetings have been postponed to next year. We hope that this will be adequately addressed to ensure that mandated activities could continue. In particular, we hope that the work of the Working Group on the Right to Development, especially those relating to the elaboration of a draft legally binding instrument will be duly undertaken next year. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) should prioritise resources for this, and should challenges persist, a pragmatic approach must be explored.

3.   Malaysia is also cognisant of the efficiency measures that have been put in place on a trial basis for one year, to address financial and time constraints due to the increased workload of the Council. In this regard, we look forward to the convening of the planned informal stocktaking meeting to assess the impact of these measures on Council’s work.  We emphasise that the way forward relating to the efficiency measures must be considered in an inclusive, transparent and consensual manner.

4.   Malaysia will remain steadfast in fulfilling its commitments and obligations as a member of the international community, including by contributing actively in the Council’s deliberations. We will also sustain and strengthen our engagement with the Council’s mechanisms and continue supporting the work of the OHCHR. A clear indication of this is Malaysia’s hosting of four (4) Special Procedure Mandate-Holders visits in the last three (3) years. Malaysia had also hosted the first ever visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights last year. We have also been voluntarily contributing to the OHCHR on yearly basis. Our active participation is a manifestation of Malaysia’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, both at home and globally.

Mr. President, 

5.   While there remains substantive differences between the developing and developed countries on the review of the Council, we hope that all parties could arrive at a certain degree of agreement on the need to rationalize and streamline the Council’s work programme. There is also a need to further improve coordination between the Council and its subsidiary mechanisms and bodies.

6.   Malaysia believes the continued exchange of views and consultations on the work of the Council would benefit all countries, taking into account each country’s unique domestic situation. Veering away from politicizing the issue of human rights is also important, as it would allow more focus in achieving the goals of the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

7.   Before concluding, Malaysia wishes 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. 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

Thank you.