Malaysia to continue undertaking constructive approach to improve human rights situation - Foreign Minister

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia will continue to uphold human rights regardless of race, religion, or social status, says Foreign Minister.

Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the government will undertake constructive and pragmatic approaches to improve the situation of human rights in the country.

As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, he said Malaysia will continue to work closely and constructively with all partners to realise its membership priorities.

“Malaysia will continue advancing and mainstreaming human rights; promoting democratic principles, rule of law and justice; as well as, instilling integrity and good governance”, he said in his speech at the Human Rights Day Forum 2022 at the Royale Chulan Hotel, here, today.

He said Malaysia would also follow a human rights-based strategy in accordance with national laws, commitments under international human rights law, and Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Federal Constitution guarantees the basic and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.

He expressed hope that everyone would be treated equally, with dignity and respect as they deserved it.

“These are indeed the very aspiration of the 2030 Agenda in which nations world over, including Malaysia, are committed to "Leave No One Behind".

“This is also at the heart of Malaysia’s membership in the Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term," he said.

The cabinet in the new government, he said will pursue robust policies to achieve gender equality and promote rights of women and girls.

He also said the nation's youth will be more empowered and better prepared with knowledge and skills they needed to compete in the global labor market.

“We will continue to work hard to address climate change and uphold environmental rights because it is our duty bound to do so for our future generations," he added.

There were around 350 physical participants and 150 online participants in the Human Rights Day Forum 2022 which aimed at emphasising on human rights to achieve freedom, dignity and justice.