Organizers
RCOStream the Event
https://youtu.be/m_kG4wOtnKESustainable Development Goals
Contact information
rco.my@un.orgHuman Rights Day Forum 2022: Strengthening and Enhancing Human Rights Towards Leaving No One Behind
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December and commemorates the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights to which everyone is inherently entitled as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status.
The formal inception of the Human Rights Day started in 1950 when the Assembly passed Resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as the Human Rights Day. Drafted by representatives of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Together with States' commitments to its principles, the Declaration has uplifted the dignity of millions and laid the foundation for a more just world.
Decades later in 2015, when United Nations Member States unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, human rights were placed at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) blueprint. Human Rights are driven by progress on all SDGs, and the SDGs are driven by advancements in human rights. Given that the protection of human rights is a key objective in Malaysia’s relations in the international arena and is a central feature in the Federal Constitution, continued collaboration between the Government of Malaysia and the United Nations is critical to advance human rights, progress on the SDGs, and deliver on the pledge to leave no on behind.
Location
About the event
As the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and economies are slowly recovering, the gains being made are not experienced evenly by all levels of society and by all countries. As the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, the 2030 Agenda can be used as a framework to address human rights deficits and inequalities in the recovery from the pandemic to ensure that everyone benefits equally.
To achieve the 2030 Agenda, strengthening priorities are to be given to the interlinkages between human rights and sustainable development. In 2018, in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that “it is only by respecting and promoting human rights that we can achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda of sustainable, diverse, inclusive and peaceful societies.” According to the resolution passed by the Human Rights Council at its 37th session in 2018 (HRC37), entitled “The promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, it is noted that the resolution seeks to make the case that progress with the implementation of States’ human rights obligations and their SDG commitments are mutually interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
Malaysia’s commitment to continue building sustainable economic growth that is inclusive for everyone and ensuring that no one is left behind is reflected in Malaysia’s Voluntary National Review 2021. In light of this, it is important to note that sustainable development and respect for all human rights will not be achieved if segments of the population are left behind. Strengthening policies and translating them into action plans are key for Malaysia’s to accelerate progress on the SDGs targets. This should be guided by the norms and principles enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments.
Malaysia’s priority in addressing human rights is part of the country’s pledge for its membership to the Human Rights Council for the term 2022-2024. It is also in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), founded on a whole-of-society approach to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
In celebrating the Human Rights Day 2022 and reflecting on Malaysia’s journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, the Forum aims to enhance awareness on the interlinkages between human rights and the SDGs. It will decipher and translate global and national commitments, focusing on the effectiveness of a human rights-based approach for enhanced impact, SDG progress, and full commitment to leaving no one behind. The Forum’s components, including the panel discussion, aim to bring multi-stakeholder perspectives around the Forum’s topic.
The Human Rights Day Forum 2022 aims to achieve the following objectives:
- To commemorate Human Rights Day;
- To promote public awareness of and support for human rights, and of various organisations’ efforts, including Malaysian government entities dedicated to promoting human rights;
- To enhance the spirit of cooperation and interaction between the United Nations and various stakeholders, particularly between the Government and civil society;
- To bring awareness on the interlinkages between human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals;
- To examine human rights perspectives and considerations in the framework of the 2030 Agenda, half way through its implementation; and
- To reflect on how to strengthen and enhance human rights towards achieving the goal of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ in the seven years leading up to 2030
The Forum will include an interactive panel discussion bringing together expert perspectives on the Forum’s theme. Download the programme to find out more.
