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Story
11 January 2023
Empowering Women and Reducing Inequalities in E-Commerce and Digitalisation for Rural Development
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Story
11 January 2023
Supporting people living with dementia in Malaysia
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Story
09 January 2023
2022 Year In Review: As conflicts rage, international dialogue remains ‘the only hope’ for peace
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Malaysia:
Publication
10 January 2023
Laporan Pencapaian Negara PBB di Malaysia, Singapura dan Brunei Darussalam 2021
Ini merupakan hasil laporan pencapaian yang kedua untuk Pasukan Negara Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNCT) di Malaysia dan pertama kali meliputi Brunei Darussalam dan Singapura. Ia menumpukan pelaporan mengenai kerja dan hasil daripada 21 agensi PBB, 8 residen dan 13 bukan residen dengan aktiviti programatik di Malaysia.
Sepanjang 2021, PBB terus menyokong Malaysia untuk menangani COVID-19 dan hasilnya, membantu menamatkan pandemik, mempromosi pemulihan sosial dan ekonomi serta mempercepatkan tindakan iklim. Seperti yang dijelaskan dalam laporan ini, sokongan PBB diberikan dalam Pelbagai bentuk – daripada bantuan teknikal dan nasihat polisi, kepada intervensi bersasar dan bantuan langsung kepada golongan rentan yang utama.
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Take Action
10 February 2022
Climate Action
Science, Solutions, Solidarity: For a livable future
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Take Action
01 September 2022
Football for the Goals
Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Story
11 January 2023
Supporting people living with dementia in Malaysia
Read the original article by WHO Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore here
“She is a little forgetful. She would say to me – you have not come for so long! while I was there a few days earlier. I take photos of us together and the next time I come, I show the photos to her. This calms her down, and then she smiles,” says Dilgeet Kaur A/P Garanan Singh, a caretaker at The Golden Age Welfare Association Malaysia working with older people.
Dilgeet visits them in their homes once a week and helps with daily activities such as shopping and cooking while their children are at work. Some of her clients have difficulties being independent due to problems with mobility or poor vision. Others, show symptoms of early dementia.
“The most difficult to cope with are the mood changes,” says Dilgeet. “It is hard to reassure her sometimes. It helps if I hold her hand and stroke it while telling her how nice her nails look. Just simple physical touches and paying close attention help a lot.”
Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. It is a syndrome which manifests itself through deterioration of cognitive function, memory loss and changes in behaviour. While dementia is associated with older age, it can also appear in younger people. There is no cure for dementia. However, several factors may reduce the risk of developing dementia, including being physically and socially active, keeping a healthy diet, and avoiding the use of tobacco and excessive alcohol.
It is estimated that around 8.5% of older adults or roughly 260 000 people in Malaysia are living with dementia. Since dementia is a progressive disease, over time a person may need support in their daily activities.
Cheng Siew Ting is a nurse manager at a day centre run by the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia. “Sometimes, it is no longer safe to leave a person with dementia alone at home. Families decide to bring their older family members here while they are at work. We ensure that our members are eating well. We do activities together such as Sudoku or picture colouring. Reminiscence therapy and music can also be beneficial, but it all depends on the individual person.”
As day centres are scarce in Malaysia, many families continue to look after their loved ones at home. “It is important that there are at least two caretakers,” says Cheng. “Familiarity is crucial for people living with dementia. Having two caretakers means that one person can take time off to take care of themselves.”
In some cases, families are not able to provide the support that is needed. Nur Atikah Binti Nizam is an occupational therapist working at Rumah Seri Kenangan, a government-run retirement home. “We have residents with complex health problems who require closer attention. Some residents also show symptoms of dementia. They find it hard to express their feelings. Sometimes they get irritable for no apparent reason.”
“However, even if a person cannot perform daily activities independently, we still try to engage them. I will ask them to help me prepare the meals, and we do simple domestic activities together,” says Nur Atikah. “It is important to continue engaging people in those daily activities, so they can maintain their independence for as long as possible.”
“Sometimes I too, get upset,” admits Dilgeet. “But then I remind myself that the difficult behaviour is caused by the disease. We cannot change the personality of people living with dementia. We need to adapt our own behaviour to match their personality.”
WHO has collaborated with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia to provide Dementia Care Skills training for caregivers from various organizations and facilities in Malaysia, including Dilgeet and Nur Atikah. The training covers knowledge areas, such as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, person-centred care, and advanced care planning, as well as practical skills like effective communication, meaningful engagement, and dealing with challenging behaviours.
The training has been well received and the evaluation of the participant’s knowledge on dementia has shown a marked improvement following the training. Despite the positive impact of this training, it is important to note that a large proportion of people living with dementia in Malaysia are cared for by their families and other informal caregivers, who may not have access to formal training. To fill this gap, WHO has developed iSupport, a training and support manual for carers of people with dementia.
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Story
11 January 2023
Empowering Women and Reducing Inequalities in E-Commerce and Digitalisation for Rural Development
Read the original story at UNDP Malaysia page here
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, together with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) ventured into East Malaysia to pilot an e-commerce ecosystem for rural producers and artisans in Pagalungan and Moyog, Sabah. It aimed to support business continuity during the Movement Control Order while improving the longer-term financial health of rural communities by widening access to markets. Understanding gender dynamics and addressing gender inequalities while improving overall outcomes was also sought.
Residents in rural Sabah face infrastructural barriers such as poor road access, costly delivery services, lack of food processing knowledge and equipment, and limited warehousing and storage facilities. Consequently, e-commerce for rural producers is often considered a risky or even unviable investment for industry players. Coupled with digital and technological challenges such as internet connectivity, technophobia, and limited digital literacy, e-commerce growth in rural areas has been slow.
However, UNDP’s rural e-Commerce project in Moyog and Pagalungan over the last two years demonstrated the feasibility of rural e-commerce with alternative value chains, serving as an alternative to the informal economy. From a humble homegrown e-commerce store launched on 18 December 2020, Koondos! , it has scaled to include renewable energy interventions in supply chain, supported by partners such as Malaysia Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) in 2021, TONIBUNG and Japan Innovation Network in 2022. The project has successfully trained 300 women entrepreneurs and producers on product innovation, entrepreneurship, digital business and sustainable enterprise models in collaboration with Moyog Innovation House (MIH). These women have often ventured into entrepreneurial endeavours to supplement household incomes. From an average revenue of USD137 per month, MIH now earns USD989 per month.
Working with gender roles and overcoming barriers
Focus group discussion and gender analysis was conducted in the project to better understanding what women want and what they can contribute as 90% of our project beneficiaries are women. Traditional gender roles are evident among the rural communities in Moyog, Sabah and present significant barriers preventing women from venturing into entrepreneurship. The women often take up jobs that are compatible with childcare and do not require capital, such as selling raw produce in local markets, cooking and cleaning. In 2017, the female labour force participation rate for Sabah was only 50.1 % compared to 84.8% for male[1]. Additionally, women often cannot meet microfinancing requirements and require financial capital from their husbands to start a business. This project helped overcome these barriers by providing women with seed funding and basic know-how on food processing and experiment with a business online. The project also connected them with alternative value chain suppliers to enable a conducive ecosystem for digital business in rural area, including social enterprises acting as aggregators and logistics provider.
Gender equality for greater impact
Following a successful first phase of the rural e-commerce pilot and renewable energy projects in Moyog and Pagalungan, UNDP aims to scale similar models to other rural communities in Malaysia for sustainable enterprise in strengthening community resilience. In doing so, we create an opportunity to engage women equitably in technology appropriation, governance, and innovation in their communities.
Empowering women as producers and entrepreneurs enables them to safeguard the environment and natural resources while supporting sustainable growth for rural development. For example, since the successful prototyping of a solar dryer, women are processing agricultural produce into higher-value products with longer shelf life. This reduces wastage, improves income and enhances food security in these communities.
The role that women entrepreneurs play as intermediaries between farmers and markets and in increasing product value benefits men as well. Women’s entrepreneurship endeavours have sparked motivation among the largely male farmers to diversify their crops to better respond to market demand, increasing opportunities for income generation for the community. UNDP’s effort in advancing women’s economic empowerment through the rural e-commerce initiative, is hoped to generate spill-over effects in other development areas of in terms of connectivity, civic participation, health and education. This would pave the way forward for subsequent programming to drive gender equality and empowerment as one of the priorities in the new country programme cycle.
References:
[1] https://knoema.com/atlas/Malaysia/Sabah/Female-labour-force-participation-rate
If you wish to know more about this project, check out other sources below:
E-Commerce for Rural Development Blog- Part 1: https://www.undp.org/malaysia/blog/e-commerce-rural-development-response-covid-19-recovery
E-Commerce for Rural Development Blog- Part 2: https://www.undp.org/malaysia/blog/e-commerce-rural-development-response-covid-19-recovery-part-2
E-Commerce for Rural Development Blog- Part 3: https://www.undp.org/malaysia/blog/e-commerce-rural-development-greening-production-part-3
Documentaries and testimonies:
Video 1: From Farm to E-Markets: Building Financial Health in Sabah – Moyog Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qacWlOyp8cw&list=UU4nEGUzimT7EO-DGAEtLtJw&index=13
Video 2: From Farm to E-Markets: Building Financial Health in Sabah – Pagalungan Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na32TF7aUi0&t=2s
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Story
09 January 2023
2022 Year In Review: As conflicts rage, international dialogue remains ‘the only hope’ for peace
Read the original article at UN News here
February saw a furious round of diplomacy at the UN, as it became increasingly clear that Russia was intent on invading Ukraine, a crisis which UN Secretary-General António Guterres said was testing the “entire international system”.
“We need restraint and reason. We need de-escalation now,” spelled out the UN chief, urging all sides to “refrain from actions and statements that would take this dangerous situation over the brink”. These calls were in vain, however, and the war, which Russia described as a “special military operation,” began.
Global ramifications of Ukraine war : from food and fuel, to nuclear threat
The conflict took on a significance far beyond its effect on Ukraine and Russia. Global fuel and food prices soared, and the UN trade body UNCTAD identified the war as the main contributing factor to projections of a global economic downturn, in a world still reeling from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dark memories of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion in 1986 were revived, when the Zaporizhzhia plant in southeastern Ukraine, the largest in Europe, came under Russian military control.
The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) warned of potentially catastrophic consequences, expressing concern at the alarming conditions of the plant, and the shelling that took place not far from the reactors. Fighting in the vicinity of a nuclear plant was, said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in November, “playing with fire”.
UN grain deal a ‘ray of hope to ease human suffering’
An highlight of UN diplomacy this year was undoubtedly the successful implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which saw exports resume from Ukrainian ports in July, and paved the way for Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets, helping to slow the vertiginous rise in the price of grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer across the world.
The delicately balanced deal involved the establishment of a Joint Coordination Centre in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with representatives from Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye, to monitor the onloading of grain at the three ports.
Ukrainian pilot vessels guide the ships through the Black Sea, which is mined, after which they head out through the Bosphorus Strait along an agreed corridor.
Perhaps more impressive, given the lack of trust between Ukraine and Russia, and no prospect of a ceasefire in sight, is that the deal was renewed for a further 120 days in November. By then more than 11 million tonnes of essential foodstuffs had been shipped from Ukraine, and food prices began to stabilize.
Africa: Hope for peace in Sudan and Ethiopia, conflict grinds on in DRC and Mali
UN peacekeepers in several African countries found themselves in harm’s way this year, whilst carrying out their role protecting civilians from violence.
Over the course of the year, Mali’s reputation as the world’s most dangerous posting seemed to be borne out: nearly every month saw an attack that killed or wounded peacekeepers, amid reports of civilian massacres, and a deteriorating security situation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was riven by attacks from militant groups and intercommunal violence which displaced thousands of people. Hundreds of civilians were killed throughout the year, and peacekeepers again made the ultimate sacrifice. In one attack, in July, the UN Mission’s base in the restive North Kivu region was hit during violent demonstrations, killing three peacekeepers.
There was better news from Sudan, which began the year embroiled in political unrest, following a military coup in 2021. Protestors against the regime continued to be targeted, and the UN condemned an excessive use of force, which saw several of them killed.
By December, however, Mr. Guterres was able to hail a peace agreement between civilian and military leaders, and the UN team in Sudan announced that they would ensure a package of support during the transitional period.
In Ethiopia, which has seen fierce fighting centred on the Tigray region, efforts to defuse the conflict led to a ceasefire in March. This did not end the violence, however, or the humanitarian crisis resulting from the unrest, but a peace deal, which was finally signed in November, was described by Mr. Guterres as a “critical first step” towards ending the brutal two-year civil war.
Middle East: No end in sight for many long-running conflicts
In March, Mr. Guterres called for the international community not to fail the Syrian people, as the country entered the eleventh year of a brutal civil war, in which 307,000 civilians have died.
The year ended with signs of military escalation, and no prospect of a peace deal, but the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, continued to meet with a host of key Syrian and international stakeholders, in pursuit of an eventual political solution to break the deadlock.
Yemen is now in the seventh year of its catastrophic conflict, which again exacted a vicious toll on its people. Hopes were raised in April, when the UN brokered a nationwide truce, the first in six years. However, the truce came to an end in October, leading to fresh uncertainty.
Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, told the Security Council in October that he believed a peace agreement could still be achieved: “With the stakes this high, it is critical that we do not lose this opportunity. The parties need to demonstrate the leadership, compromise and flexibility required to urgently reach an agreement”.
Little progress was made in relations between Israel and Palestine, during a year in which more than 150 Palestinians and over 20 Israelis were killed in the West Bank and Israel.
UN Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland expressed deep concern at the sharp increase in violence against civilians on both sides which, he said, undermined a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Mr. Wennesland called on Israel to cease advancement of all settlement activities as well as the demolition of Palestinian-owned property, and to prevent possible displacement and evictions. “The deepening occupation, the increase in violence, including terrorism, and the absence of a political horizon have empowered extremists and are eroding hope among Palestinians and Israelis, alike, that a resolution of the conflict is achievable,” he warned.
Americas: Haiti ‘on verge of abyss’, Colombia closer to lasting peace
It’s hard to overstate the extent to which the security situation in Haiti collapsed in 2022. Practically nowhere in the capital, Port-au-Prince, could be deemed safe, as rival gangs fought over territory, terrorizing increasingly desperate citizens, already struggling to survive a humanitarian catastrophe.
In October, the UN Special Representative in the country, Helen La Lime, welcomed the sanctions regime adopted by the Security Council, which targets gang leaders and their backers. She told the Security Council that even if a political solution could be found, it would not be sufficient to address the crisis.
Ms. La Lime indicated her support for the mobilization of a specialized military force, whilst the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the Security Council in October that the US and Mexico are working on a resolution which will authorize a “non-UN international security assistance mission”, which would help in the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid.
There were positive signs that Colombia, which suffered decades of civil war, may be on the verge of achieving a lasting peace.
Six years on from the historic peace accord signed between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, the country was still beset by outbreaks of fighting in 2022 and, in July, the UN human rights office called on the incoming administration to tackle rising violence, particularly in rural areas.
By October, the head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, felt confident enough to brief the Security Council that expectations were running high for progress towards the full and final implementation of a lasting peace deal: “I am certainly confident that Colombia can demonstrate to the world, once again, that there is no better alternative to ending conflicts than through dialogue”.
Asia: Korean nuclear tension, scores attacked in Afghanistan
Much of the focus on Afghanistan has centred on the steady erosion of women’s rights under the Taliban, the de facto rulers of the country, but security has been increasingly challenging.
The Afghan people were rocked by waves of deadly terror attacks, from blasts at schools in April, to the bombing of a mosque in August, claimed by the so-called Islamic State group, also known as Da’esh. The group also carried out attacks against the Russian and Pakistani embassies, and a hotel hosting many Chinese nationals.
The top UN official in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, announced in December that the UN is keeping dialogue open with the leaders of the Taliban, despite their differing positions. Whilst the Taliban face little to no political opposition, they are unable to satisfactorily address terrorist groups operating in the country, she reported.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known as North Korea, continued to test missiles in 2022, provoking condemnation from the UN, and fears that the country was attempting to develop its nuclear weapons capability.
António Guterres declared that a long-range test in March was in violation of Security Council resolutions, and called an October launch over Japan a “reckless act”.
In a Security Council briefing in November, Rosemary Di Carlo, the head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), said that DPRK had reportedly launched its “largest and most powerful missile, capable of reaching all of North America”.
Overall, said, Ms. Di Carlo, DPRK had launched some 60 ballistic missiles. She reiterated calls on the country to “desist from taking further provocative actions and to fully comply with its international obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions”.
A new UN peace agenda
The wider issue of peace is likely to figure more highly on the UN agenda in 2023, when the UN chief, António Guterres, delivers A New Agenda for Peace, to Member States.
Addressing the Security Council in December, Mr. Guterres explained that the document will articulate the Organization’s work in peace and security; set out a comprehensive approach to prevention; link peace, sustainable development, climate action, and food security; and consider how the UN adapts to cyberthreats, information warfare, and other forms of conflict.
“The challenge ahead is clear,” said Mr. Guterres “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, with a revitalized multilateralism that is effective, representative and inclusive”.
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Story
09 December 2022
Human Rights Day Forum 2022: Strengthening and Enhancing Human Rights Towards Leaving No One Behind
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister’s Department, United Nations in Malaysia and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commemorated Human Rights Day with a Forum following the theme, “Strengthening and Enhancing Human Rights Towards Leaving No One Behind”.
The Forum was graced with a Royal Address by DYMM Yang Di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir. In his address, His Royal Highness emphasised the need to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all, as laid down in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. His Royal Highness called for a change in Government policy that currently denies children who are refugees or stateless to have access to formal education in the country. The move will not only break the generational cycle of poverty but will also benefit the country in many ways in the long run. His Royal Highness also welcomed the launch by SUHAKAM of an advocacy brief in the Malay language towards ending child marriage in Malaysia and stressed that children should be in schools and not rob of their childhood and right to education.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Senator Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir in his video message emphasized that today’s celebration is reflective of the Government’s commitment to uphold and promote human rights for all. Malaysia will continue advancing and mainstreaming human rights and will undertake a human rights-based approach, in accordance with its national laws, international human rights obligations and SDGs. This is pertinent especially during the pandemic as human rights cannot be an afterthought, it should facilitate in building resilience in facing crisis. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Malaysia will continue to work closely and constructively with all partners to realise its membership priorities. On the international front, Malaysia will strengthen its global efforts to adress the plight of the Palestinians and Rohingyas.
Ms. Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam in her opening remarks highlighted four key directions for Malaysia to build a future of shared prosperity and sustainability. First of all, on the ratification of outstanding human rights treaties. Secondly, to address the gaps in education, health, and wider living standards for vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants. She then highlighted the empowerment of women and girls and their protection from all forms of gender-based violence. Finally, importance should also be placed on the human rights dimensions of climate change and the wider environmental issues. She noted that in July this year, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognising the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right.
Human Rights Day 2022 also marks the beginning of a year-long global campaign to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 2023, the milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status.
SUHAKAM Chairman, YBhg. Professor Dato’ Dr. Rahmat bin Mohamad shared SUHAKAM’s hope that the Government’s pledges as well as other commitments made would be translated into concrete actions for genuine improvement and enjoyment of human rights in people’s lives, without leaving anyone behind.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also delivered his remarks to commemorate Human Rights Day via a pre-recorded video at the Forum, highlighting various challenging including the shrinking of civic space, increasing hunger and poverty, the decline of media freedom and safety of journalists, racism, violence against women and girls, as well as climate change.
During the Forum, an interactive panel discussed the interlinkages between human rights and the SDGs. The discussion focused on global and national commitments, focusing on the effectiveness of a human rights-based approach to enhance the impact of SDG progress.
The Forum was moderated by Ms. Suri Kempe, President, Family Frontiers and Founder, Kemban Kolektif and the panel included Mr. Ragunath Kesavan, SUHAKAM’s Commissioner; YBhg. Dato' Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Professor of Medicine & Infectious Diseases of University Malaya and Commissioner of the Global Commission on Drug Policy; Ms. Azlina Kamal, Education Specialist and Lead at UNICEF Malaysia; and YBhg. Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria, President Society for the Promotions of SDGs and Senior Fellow at ISIS Malaysia.
The Forum also witnessed the launch of the Malay language version of a report entitled: Towards Ending Child Marriage in Malaysia: Advocacy Brief by SUHAKAM and UNICEF. The English report which was launched in 2021 aims to identify the key drivers of child marriage in Malaysia and provides evidence-based recommendations for the way forward. The advocacy brief touches on the serious long-term consequences of child marriage, especially its impact on the lives and health of those affected. The launch is evident of Malaysia’s commitment in upholding the principles of the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the relevant SDGs, which calls for global action to end child marriage by 2030. The Government of Malaysia has thus far announced its commitment to address the factors of child marriage through the National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage (2020-2025).
The newly appointed Law and Institutional Reform Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said also addressed some key points relating to the reform agendas that are in the pipeline. Among others, the Minister will look into the establishment of a Special Task Force on Institutional Reform, specifically to conduct a cross-sectional study and propose a list of institutional reforms to be tabled in the Cabinet. An independent Law Commission in Malaysia will also be formed to propose reform to the necessary laws to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. In line with the spirit of human rights, amendments to the SUHAKAM Act 1999 will be expedited to provide it with the institutional strength it requires to further promote and uphold human rights in Malaysia.
The hybrid Forum was attended by over 500 participants from the Government, diplomatic corps, youth, academia, private sector and Civil Society Organisations. Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
Watch the recording of the Forum on YouTube:
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Story
06 December 2022
OP-ED: Solving the water crisis is key to climate action and sustainable development
The op-ed has been published in CodeBlue here and Malay Mail here
Water flows through all major global issues; from health to hunger, gender equity to jobs, education to industry, disasters to peace.
For that reason, it has to be made an integral part of all global meetings to do with making the world a better, safer and fairer place. Right now, this is not the case.
In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – the primary framework of the international effort to eradicate extreme poverty – the success of every one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on a well-functioning global water cycle.
At COP 27, the fact that water and climate change are inextricably linked was reflected in the format of the event, but even so, water is still not a stand-alone topic for regular review and reporting in the COP process.
As we fight climate change and strive to build a better world, water must be embedded in landmark global frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, 2030 Agenda, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Committee on World Food Security and others.
Without that integration, we will fail to get a grip on the major crises that threaten life on Earth and the hope of a better tomorrow.
In the case of climate change, water must be is at the heart of our plans to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of more extreme and erratic weather.
For instance, the protection, restoration and expansion of water-related ecosystems is essential for safeguarding biodiversity and capturing carbon from the atmosphere.
At the same time, water and sanitation systems – existing and new – must be designed to withstand an increasingly hostile context.
The writing is on the wall. In only 20 years, flood-related disasters have increased by 134 per cent, and the number and duration of droughts by 29 per cent.[1] Against this backdrop, around 2 billion people have no access to safe drinking water and 3.6 billion live without a safe toilet. Clearly, progress towards achieving SDG 6 – water and sanitation for all by 2030 – is seriously off-track.
We have no choice but to act faster and smarter, across sectors, to solve the water crisis for the sake of every aspect of sustainable development.
Water-related climate mitigation and adaptation should be seen as a new “social contract” between ourselves and future generations.
In our own lives, we can all be more aware of our water footprint and be less wasteful of water.
At the individual level, this will be a small price to pay to protect our great-grandchildren. However, the cost to the global system will be considerable yet essential.
Financial resources must be better targeted, and new funding mobilized, towards the infrastructure and systems needed to build and maintain water-related services across society and the economy.
There are encouraging signs. At the national level, more attention is already being paid to water as countries make national plans to adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce emissions. I welcome this and encourage all countries to follow suit.
But this is too large an issue for nation states to tackle individually. The multilateral system exists precisely for the purpose of orchestrating a response to complex global challenges just like this.
The Government of Egypt, which hosted COP27, launched the “Action for Water Adaptation and Resilience” designed to make integrated water and climate action standard practice in SDG-related actions. This is a welcome signal that decision-makers are starting to recognize water for what it is: a medium of resilience, a problem-solver and a primary connector between all the major challenges we face.
The momentum from COP27 will carry us to next year’s UN 2023 Water Conference, the first of its kind since 1977. Co-hosts Tajikistan and the Netherlands are urging the world to unite around water to follow an approach that is “action-oriented,” “inclusive” and “cross-sectoral”.
We need to take the momentum built up at COP27 and convert it into a new Water Action Agenda.
It’s down to everyone to solve the water crisis. And that can only be done when water is on everyone’s agenda.
-end-
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Press Release
28 October 2022
Inadequate progress on climate action makes rapid transformation of societies only option - UNEP
Nairobi, 27 October 2022 – As intensifying climate impacts across the globe hammer home the message that greenhouse gas emissions must fall rapidly, a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report finds that the international community is still falling far short of the Paris goals, with no credible pathway to 1.5°C in place.
However, the Emissions Gap Report 2022: The Closing Window – Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies finds that urgent sector and system-wide transformations – in the electricity supply, industry, transport and buildings sectors, and the food and financial systems – would help to avoid climate disaster.
“This report tells us in cold scientific terms what nature has been telling us, all year, through deadly floods, storms and raging fires: we have to stop filling our atmosphere with greenhouse gases, and stop doing it fast,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “We had our chance to make incremental changes, but that time is over. Only a root-and-branch transformation of our economies and societies can save us from accelerating climate disaster.”
A wasted year
The report finds that, despite a decision by all countries at the 2021 climate summit in Glasgow, UK (COP26) to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and some updates from nations, progress has been woefully inadequate. NDCs submitted this year take only 0.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, less than one per cent, off projected global emissions in 2030.
This lack of progress leaves the world hurtling towards a temperature rise far above the Paris Agreement goal of well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. Unconditional NDCs are estimated to give a 66 per cent chance of limiting global warming to about 2.6°C over the century. For conditional NDCs, those that are dependent on external support, this figure is reduced to 2.4°C. Current policies alone would lead to a 2.8°C hike, highlighting the temperature implications of the gap between promises and action.
In the best-case scenario, full implementation of unconditional NDCs and additional net-zero emissions commitments point to only a 1.8°C increase, so there is hope. However, this scenario is not currently credible based on the discrepancy between current emissions, short-term NDC targets and long-term net-zero targets.
Unprecedented cuts needed
To meet the Paris Agreement goals, the world needs to reduce greenhouse gases by unprecedented levels over the next eight years.
Unconditional and conditional NDCs are estimated to reduce global emissions in 2030 by 5 and 10 per cent respectively, compared with emissions based on policies currently in place. To get on a least-cost pathway to holding global warming to 1.5°C, emissions must fall by 45 per cent over those envisaged under current policies by 2030. For the 2°C target, a 30 per cent cut is needed.
Such massive cuts mean that we need a large-scale, rapid and systemic transformation. The report explores how to deliver part of this transformation in key sectors and systems.
“It is a tall, and some would say impossible, order to reform the global economy and almost halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but we must try,” said Andersen. “Every fraction of a degree matters: to vulnerable communities, to species and ecosystems, and to every one of us.”
“Even if we don’t meet our 2030 goals, we must strive to get as close as possible to 1.5°C. This means setting up the foundations of a net-zero future: one that will allow us to bring down temperature overshoots and deliver many other social and environmental benefits, like clean air, green jobs and universal energy access.”
Electricity, industry, transport and buildings
The report finds that the transformation towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in electricity supply, industry, transportation and buildings is underway, but needs to move much faster. Electricity supply is most advanced, as the costs of renewable electricity have reduced dramatically. However, the pace of change must increase alongside measures to ensure a just transition and universal energy access.
For buildings, the best available technologies need to be rapidly applied. For industry and transport, zero emission technology needs to be further developed and deployed. To advance the transformation, all sectors need to avoid lock in of new fossil fuel-intensive infrastructure, advance zero-carbon technology and apply it, and pursue behavioural changes.
Food systems can reform to deliver rapid and lasting cuts
Focus areas for food systems, which account for about a third of greenhouse gas emissions, include protection of natural ecosystems, demand-side dietary changes, improvements in food production at the farm level and decarbonization of food supply chains. Action in these four areas can reduce projected 2050 food system emissions to around a third of current levels, as opposed to emissions almost doubling if current practices are continued.
Governments can facilitate transformation by reforming subsidies and tax schemes. The private sector can reduce food loss and waste, use renewable energy and develop novel foods that cut down carbon emissions. Individual citizens can change their lifestyles to consume food for environmental sustainability and carbon reduction, which will also bring many health benefits.
The financial system must enable the transformation
A global transformation to a low-emissions economy is expected to require investments of at least USD 4-6 trillion a year. This is a relatively small (1.5-2 per cent) share of total financial assets managed, but significant (20-28 per cent) in terms of additional annual resources to be allocated.
Most financial actors, despite stated intentions, have shown limited action on climate mitigation because of short-term interests, conflicting objectives and not recognizing climate risks adequately.
Governments and key financial actors will need to steer credibly in one direction: a transformation of the financial system and its structures and processes, engaging governments, central banks, commercial banks, institutional investors and other financial actors.
The report recommends six approaches to financial sector reform, which must be carried out simultaneously:
Make financial markets more efficient, including through taxonomies and transparency.
Introduce carbon pricing, such as taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
Nudge financial behaviour, through public policy interventions, taxes, spending and regulations.
Create markets for low-carbon technology, through shifting financial flows, stimulating innovation and helping to set standards.
Mobilize central banks: central banks are increasingly interested in addressing the climate crisis, but more concrete action on regulations is needed.
Set up climate “clubs” of cooperating countries, cross-border finance initiatives and just transformation partnerships, which can alter policy norms and change the course of finance through credible financial commitment devices, such as sovereign guarantees.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Keisha Rukikaire, Head of News & Media, UN Environment Programme
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Press Release
06 September 2022
MOH and UNICEF calling for stakeholders action on Children’s Mental Health
Ministry of Health with UNICEF today launched the Malaysia Country Report and Infographic 2022: Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Systems and Services for Children and Adolescents in the East Asia and Pacific Region. The MHPSSS study was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health Malaysia and UNICEF that began in May 2021. Dato’ Dr. Haji Noor Azmi bin Ghazali, Deputy Minister of Health graced the occasion.
Mental health of children and adolescents is amongst the most neglected health issues globally, including East Asia and the Pacific. In Malaysia, young children and teenagers experience a high burden of poor mental health. According to the 2019 National Health Mobility Survey (NHMS), about 424,000 children in Malaysia have mental problems, but many do not come forward to seek for assistance. Of particular worry is that 1 in 8 adolescents aged 10–19, and 1 in 20 children aged 5–9 years are estimated to have a mental disorder including developmental disorder. Notably, suicide was second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15–19. Among risk factors for poor mental health, exposure to violence, peer victimization and bullying, loneliness and social isolation were particularly prevalent.
The MHPSS research is the first in the Pacific region that focused on children and adolescent up to 18 years old in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. The research was conceptualized by Burnet Institute Australia and sponsored by UNICEF.
Dr Norizan Binti Rosli from Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), National Institute for Health (NIH) Ministry of Health Malaysia lead the Malaysian team with researchers from the Institute for Health Behavioural Research & Institute for Health Management from NIH, psychiatrists from 4 major public hospitals and in collaboration with Professor Marc Archer from Centre for Mental Health and Well-being, HELP University.
The MHPSS report summarizes the consultations and interviews with 124 stakeholders’ from health, justice, social welfare, education sectors including government and non-governmental organisations, UN agencies and youth representatives.
The report highlights key gaps in the current response and challenges on the implementation of MHPSS among children and adolescent, including difficult or limited access to services for mental health problems, lack of empowerment in existing law and policies, deficiencies in communication and coordination between sectors, insufficient funding, lack of trained personal in MHPSS for children and adolescent, limited involvement of end user (youth/parent/ care takers/ other sector) in the planning of mental health programs and monitoring. To address these gaps, a priority package of actions are proposed to offer better accessibility and responsiveness towards mental health conditions. In addition, sectoral lead and specific recommendations are identified to improve the implementation of MHPSS for children and adolescents.
“The Ministry of Health is committed to translating the MHPSS research findings into policy and practice. As we are developing the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH) MOH urges all stakeholders and experts, from both government and non-governmental agencies, to facilitate greater collaboration and coordination in the implementation of MHPSS for children and adolescents in Malaysia. Poor mental health can have a profound impact on the health, learning and participation of children and adolescents, thus limiting their opportunities to reach their full potential. There is a substantial unmet need for MHPSS for children and adolescents” said Dato’ Dr Haji Noor Azmi bin Ghazali, Deputy Minister of Health I.
The MHPSS conceptual framework in Malaysia provides country-specific recommendations based on evidence for policy and decision-making. Complementing the country report is an infographic designed to disseminate key research findings to the public.
“UNICEF commends the Ministry of Health Malaysia for their swift action and focus in addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents. Based on the evidence generated by the Report, and the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions among children and adolescents, now more than ever is the time to consider the formation of a National Steering Committee for Children and Adolescents Mental Health, that holds the authority and resources to drive action. Your commitment will change the trajectory of mental health care in Malaysia, that will in turn contribute to the health and prosperity of the nation”, said Christopher Davids, Deputy Representative for UNICEF in Malaysia.
The Ministry of Health is grateful for UNICEF’s support in this research and welcomes their continued support in implementing the research findings and future collaborative research.
29 August 2022
Note to editors:
The report is available online: https://unicef.org/malaysia/reports/strengthening-mental-health-psychosocial-support-systems-services
The research was conceptualized by Burnet Institute Australia, supported by UNICEF, and overseen by both organizations. Malaysia is among four countries in which the research was conducted—Thailand, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea being the others. The research in Malaysia was executed by researchers and psychiatrists from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The researchers hailed from three research institutes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)— Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), Institute for Health Behavioural Research (IHBR), and Institute for Health Management (IHM).
About NIH, MOH Malaysia
NIH is the research body under the Ministry of Health Malaysia. We focus on conducting health research to support the ministry and the stakeholders in ensuring the wellbeing of the people. The establishment of the NIH aims to create seamless continuum research from identifying research priorities, conducting research, and utilizing research findings for the health services and programs. The six research institutes under NIH are Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), Institute for Health Behavioural Research (IHBR), Institute for Health Management (IHM), Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Institute for Public Health (IKU), and Institute for Health System Research (IHSR)
For more information about NIH, visit: www.nih.gov.my
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit: www.unicef.org Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube For more information, please contact: Dr Norizan Binti Rosli & Dr Aimi Nadiah, ICR, NIH, MOH Malaysia, +603 3362 8864, norizan@crc.gov.my / aimi.nadiah@moh.gov.my Rachel Choong, UNICEF Malaysia, +6012 293 2690, rchoong@unicef.org
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit: www.unicef.org Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube For more information, please contact: Dr Norizan Binti Rosli & Dr Aimi Nadiah, ICR, NIH, MOH Malaysia, +603 3362 8864, norizan@crc.gov.my / aimi.nadiah@moh.gov.my Rachel Choong, UNICEF Malaysia, +6012 293 2690, rchoong@unicef.org
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Press Release
09 August 2022
The annual health-care cost of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer in Malaysia exceeds RM 9.65 billion
"Even without the additional threat posed by COVID-19, noncommunicable diseases are a significant health burden and public health challenge in our country. And while they are not an acute emergency or rapidly-moving infectious disease, they are equally devastating to individuals, societies and economies," said Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Noor Hisham bin Abdullah, Director General of Health Malaysia.
NCDs are the main cause of death and disability in Malaysia. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adult Malaysians are living with diabetes, 1 in 3 are living with hypertension, and nearly half are overweight or obese (National Health and Morbidity Survey, 2019). The growing prevalence of NCDs is placing an increased strain on the country's health system.
"We saw that among the most vulnerable to the virus are people with underlying health conditions, including NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, who have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease and are more likely to die from COVID-19," continued Dr Hisham.
"WHO continues to support the government of Malaysia in its efforts to address the growing challenge of NCDs through supporting addressing the risk factors, encouraging adoption of healthy lifestyles and strengthening primary care for early diagnosis and improved management of NCDs,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative in Malaysia.
The report released today utilized data from the year 2017. The secured data were largely restricted to the public sector, and extrapolations to the private sector were based on assumptions. While the cost estimates are based on the best available data, they no doubt underestimate the real cost of the direct health-care costs associated with NCDs in Malaysia.
Aside from the health-care costs, previous studies have estimated the economic loss due to absenteeism, presenteeism in the workplace and the premature death of the working age population as upwards of RM 8.91 billion. In addition, the cost of disability and loss of healthy life years was estimated to be around RM 100.79 billion (The Impact of Noncommunicable Diseases and Their Risk Factors on Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product, 2020).
This information can be used to identify cost-effective ways to prevent NCDs, reduce the costs of NCD management, and prioritize the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Dr Hisham calls on collaboration to have publicly informed, evidence-based policies that could support the change in Malaysian's behaviour.
“The problem of NCDs in Malaysia is also compounded by the fact that the country has a rapidly ageing population in which the failure to address adequately the challenge of NCDs could significantly impact health-care costs and economic well-being of the community,” added Dr Rabindra.
Malaysia is expected to reach the status of an aged nation by 2030, with people over the age of 65 making up more than 14% of the population. With the population ageing, more and more people are expected to live with NCDs in the long term. Given this demographic change, NCDs' health and economic burden can also be expected to increase over time.
"Increasing awareness about NCDs and their management among the general population and those at risk now will contribute to increased longevity and healthy ageing of Malaysian through a reduction of premature mortality due to NCDs and their complications" said Dr Rabindra.
The report can be downloaded here.
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Press Release
10 August 2022
New employers guide will support Malaysian rubber industry in fight against forced labour
It provides practical guidance to employers in the rubber industry in Malaysia, particularly those employing migrant workers, on how to identify risks of forced labour in the recruitment, employment and sourcing practices, and how to effectively address, prevent and eliminate these risks.
A new guide will strengthen the efforts of employers to prevent and eliminate forced labour in the Malaysian rubber industry. The guide, entitled “Addressing, preventing and eliminating forced labour in the rubber industry in Malaysia: A practical guide for Malaysian employers ” was launched by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin at an event in Kuala Lumpur today.
The guide is produced by the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and through the support of the European Union.
It will assist employers in the Malaysian rubber industry, in particularly those employing migrant workers - on how to identify risks of forced labour in recruitment, employment, and sourcing practices, and how to effectively address, prevent and eliminate these risks.
“This guide forms part of a comprehensive effort to support the Malaysian rubber industry to implement the forced labour policy. Our goal is to foster a more developed and driven future for our beloved Keluarga Malaysia,” said Minister YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin. “I am confident that the guide will help strengthen efforts to improve the industry's reputation and the nation's standing.”
The guide will help companies understand what forced labour is as well as the international standards, national laws and policies relating to it. It contains guiding principles, due diligence and responsible business conduct, good practices, frequently asked questions and answers on preventing forced labour as well as practical information on developing company policies.
“To avoid forced labour from occurring, this guide will act as a resource to protect employees' rights while supporting Malaysia's business community to eventually enhance workers' productivity,” said Malaysian Rubber Council Chairman, YB Dr Daroyah Alwi.
Supporting the government's mission to educate and raise awareness of forced labour, the Sustainability Division of the MRC in collaboration with the ILO has carried out various awareness raising initiatives. In addition to the guide, a video and training programme for rubber industry stakeholders will also be launched.
Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific remarked, “By investing in decent work and an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, Malaysia has a unique opportunity to create more and better jobs, increase productivity and skills, and support growth across the rubber glove supply chain. This will ultimately increase its competitiveness in global markets.”
The initiative is a joint effort by the government, businesses, labour unions, civil society, and the ILO. It is in support of Malaysia's first National Action Plan on Forced Labour as well as Malaysia’s participation as an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder country to accelerate efforts to end forced labour.
ILO and the European Union are supporting the Malaysian rubber industry through the ‘Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better’ project. This sets out to strengthen dialogue and promote decent work in Malaysia’s rubber glove supply chain.
“Promoting decent work in global supply chains is a priority of the European Union. We are proud to support Malaysia’s efforts to eradicate forced labour and to improve the working conditions of Malaysians and migrant workers alike,” said His Excellency Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia. “Apart from remedying obvious human rights issues, these actions will increase Malaysia’s international reputation as a rubber industry leader, facilitate the export of its goods in compliance with international standards and prepare for the upcoming EU legislation in this area.”
About MRC
The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) , formerly known as Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. MRC has overseas offices in the US, China, India, Europe and the Middle East. The USA office was set up in Washington DC in February 2001 and serves as a centre of information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products for the American public and end-users. MRC has two offices in China – the Shanghai office was set up in September 2011 and the Guangzhou office in April 2016 with the responsibility to facilitate and assist Malaysian companies seeking to grow their business in China. MRC India was set up in Mumbai in May 2016 to facilitate the export of Malaysian rubber and rubber products and to assist Malaysian companies to grow their business in India. MRC's Europe office is in London which plays an important role to facilitate exports of Malaysian rubber products into Europe by monitoring developments and changes in policies and new regulations concerning the importation and use of rubber products in Europe. MRC’s Middle East office was established in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in September 2021 with the intent to explore and facilitate potential joint ventures, foreign investment and R&D collaborations in the MENA region. For further information please contact: Wan Laila, Tel: 0193314145
‘Aisyah ‘Izzati, Tel: 0177391219
Malaysian Rubber Council
Strategic Communications Division
Siu Ming Lee
National Project Coordinator
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better
Email: siuming@ilo.org
The guide is produced by the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and through the support of the European Union.
It will assist employers in the Malaysian rubber industry, in particularly those employing migrant workers - on how to identify risks of forced labour in recruitment, employment, and sourcing practices, and how to effectively address, prevent and eliminate these risks.
“This guide forms part of a comprehensive effort to support the Malaysian rubber industry to implement the forced labour policy. Our goal is to foster a more developed and driven future for our beloved Keluarga Malaysia,” said Minister YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin. “I am confident that the guide will help strengthen efforts to improve the industry's reputation and the nation's standing.”
The guide will help companies understand what forced labour is as well as the international standards, national laws and policies relating to it. It contains guiding principles, due diligence and responsible business conduct, good practices, frequently asked questions and answers on preventing forced labour as well as practical information on developing company policies.
“To avoid forced labour from occurring, this guide will act as a resource to protect employees' rights while supporting Malaysia's business community to eventually enhance workers' productivity,” said Malaysian Rubber Council Chairman, YB Dr Daroyah Alwi.
Supporting the government's mission to educate and raise awareness of forced labour, the Sustainability Division of the MRC in collaboration with the ILO has carried out various awareness raising initiatives. In addition to the guide, a video and training programme for rubber industry stakeholders will also be launched.
Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific remarked, “By investing in decent work and an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, Malaysia has a unique opportunity to create more and better jobs, increase productivity and skills, and support growth across the rubber glove supply chain. This will ultimately increase its competitiveness in global markets.”
The initiative is a joint effort by the government, businesses, labour unions, civil society, and the ILO. It is in support of Malaysia's first National Action Plan on Forced Labour as well as Malaysia’s participation as an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder country to accelerate efforts to end forced labour.
ILO and the European Union are supporting the Malaysian rubber industry through the ‘Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better’ project. This sets out to strengthen dialogue and promote decent work in Malaysia’s rubber glove supply chain.
“Promoting decent work in global supply chains is a priority of the European Union. We are proud to support Malaysia’s efforts to eradicate forced labour and to improve the working conditions of Malaysians and migrant workers alike,” said His Excellency Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia. “Apart from remedying obvious human rights issues, these actions will increase Malaysia’s international reputation as a rubber industry leader, facilitate the export of its goods in compliance with international standards and prepare for the upcoming EU legislation in this area.”
About MRC
The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) , formerly known as Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. MRC has overseas offices in the US, China, India, Europe and the Middle East. The USA office was set up in Washington DC in February 2001 and serves as a centre of information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products for the American public and end-users. MRC has two offices in China – the Shanghai office was set up in September 2011 and the Guangzhou office in April 2016 with the responsibility to facilitate and assist Malaysian companies seeking to grow their business in China. MRC India was set up in Mumbai in May 2016 to facilitate the export of Malaysian rubber and rubber products and to assist Malaysian companies to grow their business in India. MRC's Europe office is in London which plays an important role to facilitate exports of Malaysian rubber products into Europe by monitoring developments and changes in policies and new regulations concerning the importation and use of rubber products in Europe. MRC’s Middle East office was established in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in September 2021 with the intent to explore and facilitate potential joint ventures, foreign investment and R&D collaborations in the MENA region. For further information please contact: Wan Laila, Tel: 0193314145
‘Aisyah ‘Izzati, Tel: 0177391219
Malaysian Rubber Council
Strategic Communications Division
Siu Ming Lee
National Project Coordinator
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better
Email: siuming@ilo.org
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Press Release
03 July 2021
New MIT study says United Nations Pause Campaign slows spread of life-threatening misinformation
A major part of that work is the UN’s Pause campaign, which encourages people to pause to check the validity of any information they share. Now, a new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) says the Pause campaign can bring about the behavioural change needed to stop the spread of misinformation.
The MIT study, conducted in the UK and the US, found that the simple act of pausing to question the origin, credibility, relevance and accuracy of any information before sharing it on phones, computers and social media platforms, significantly reduced people’s propensity to share misinformation. In the study, participants who saw Pause campaign content were notably less likely to share fake headlines.
“The monumental task of tackling misinformation belongs to all of us. It is about how we can come together to drive social change, shifting behavioural norms and tapping into people’s sense of solidarity to keep each other safe,” said Melissa Fleming, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.
“The MIT study shows that pausing before sharing is not only possible but also the responsible thing to do, especially in an age where it has become hard to separate the truth from the lies.”
The Pause campaign, created in collaboration with Purpose, a social impact agency, is part of the wider Verified initiative launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May 2020 to deliver trusted COVID-19-related medical and science information and advice, and stop the spread of misinformation. According to the World Health Organization, in the first three months of 2020 alone, nearly 6,000 people were hospitalized because of COVID-19 misinformation.
The Pause campaign, which reached nearly 1 billion people in 2020, is redoubling its efforts to empower more people to share information responsibly. The new phase of the campaign asks the world to take the #PledgetoPause and flood the Internet with the pause symbol.
Guided by research, the campaign is built on the premise that by interrupting, even for a few seconds, the impulse to share something we see -- an urge often fuelled by emotions such as excitement, anger, sadness, elation, and even altruism -- we allow ourselves time to think more critically. Better judgement prevails and fewer bogus claims are circulated.
In the words of the UN Secretary-General: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the wrong information can be deadly. Take the pledge to pause and help stop the spread of misinformation.”
ABOUT VERIFIED
Verified is a United Nations initiative, in collaboration with Purpose, that aims to empower people around the world with science-based information during the Covid-19 response. Working with UN agencies, influencers, civil society, businesses, and social media platforms, Verified creates and distributes trusted, accurate information and encourages consumers to change their media consumption practices to reduce and stop the spread of misinformation online. Website: https://shareverified.com/en/
ABOUT PAUSE CAMPAIGN
Launched as a part of the UN Verified initiative, the Pause Campaign draws on research from psychologists, neuroscientists and behavioural scientists whose studies indicate that pausing to reflect before sharing can significantly help to reduce the spread of unverified and misleading information. The overall campaign, which was launched a year ago, challenges people to break the habit of sharing shocking or emotive content impulsively and without questioning its accuracy. Website: https://pledgetopause.org
CONTACTS
UN Department of Global Communications
Devi Palanivelu | palanivelu@un.org | +1 917 495 5424
Purpose
Jennifer Minard | jennifer.minard@purpose.com | +44 787 242 7706
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Latest Resources
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Resources
10 January 2023
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