Study on human rights needs

The New Straits Times
by FAZLEENA AZIZ

KUALA LUMPUR: A STUDY on the human rights needs of the country is being conducted to become the basis of the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri said the National Human Rights Policy Plan Research would pave the way for the implementation of the NHRAP, thus raising the standard at human rights in the country.

She said the implementation of the action plan would take into account values enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the position of Islam as the country’s official religion.

The 18-month study, which started on July 1, is gathering data, including existing policies on human rights and feedback from the public.

“Phase one focuses on data collection, existing policies and analysis of the current status of human rights in the country, while phase two will focus on activities like public engagement.

“The research team will provide a report that includes the concept of human rights and the actual position of human rights in Malaysia. There will also be unique action plan proposals submitted as part of the report,” said Nancy yesterday.

Several ministries, departments and about 40 experts from local universities will be involved in the two phases of research.

“Research will be based on five fundamentals proposed for the NHRAP, which include civil, political, economic, social, religion and cultural rights,” she said, adding that the research would look into the rights of endangered groups, Orang Asli, indigenous people and international obligations.

“The research will also include public consultation in a meaningful and comprehensive manner.”

The team is headed by Associate Professor Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz and assisted by Dr Gan Chin Chuan.

Both are members of the Human Rights Development Action Plan Steering Committee, which is chaired by Nancy.

In October 2012, the government agreed to develop the NHRAP in Malaysia as part of a long-term effort to ensure human rights are preserved and protected in the country.

On 19 June, the first meeting on the Implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan Research Policy was held and chaired by Nancy.

Those wanting more information can contact the NHRAP secretariat at 03-8885 1000 or come directly to the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department, Precinct 3, 62692 Putrajaya.