UN and SUHAKAM sign MoU to advance Human Rights and SDGs in Malaysia

The United Nations in Malaysia and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on advancing Human Rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signatories were Ms. Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam and YBhg. Professor Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad, Chairman of SUHAKAM.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. El Korri said, “The signing of this MOU marks a new milestone in the UN’s partnership with SUHAKAM, by codifying the working relationships between the UN and its agencies, and the Commission.  It is especially timely given the appointment of a new set of Commissioners, and I pay tribute to the new Chairman Professor Dato’ Dr. Rahmat for his leadership in bringing this to fruition”.

The signing of the MOU is an important step towards enhancing cooperation between the UN and SUHAKAM. In signing the document, the two organizations agreed to collaborate and strengthen the exchange of information in six priority areas:

1. Malaysia's engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms
2. Promotion of human rights and human rights education
3. Human rights advocacy
4. Exchange of information in fields of mutual interest
5. Protection of human rights defenders
6. Strengthening the availability of human rights data linked to the SDGs

Professor Dato’ Dr. Rahmat added, “SUHAKAM and UN in Malaysia have specific but complementary roles in supporting the Government of Malaysia to plan and implement effective strategies, towards advancing human rights and meeting the sustainable goals for all in Malaysia”.

Both organizations will work together to draw focus on human rights in Malaysia and to support the country’s participation in international human rights mechanisms. This includes the Universal Periodic Review, ratification or accession of human rights treaties, visits of the UN Special Rapporteurs, and the implementation of the recommendations of the human rights mechanisms; and encouraging multi-stakeholder engagement.

In addition, the MoU aims to promote knowledge sharing, organize activities to commemorate international days relevant to human rights, the promotion of civic space to protect and promote human rights, and support the availability and strengthening of human rights data linked to implementation of the SDGs in Malaysia.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from UN agencies and Commissioners of SUHAKAM.

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For media enquiries:

Ahmad Hafiz Osman, Head of Communications, United Nations in Malaysia

ahmad.hafiz@un.org / 0123021234

Norashikin Hamzah, Principal Assistant Secretary, Media and Promotion Division SUHAKAM

shikin@suhakam.org.my / 03-2612 5687 / 0196215336