Human Rights Day forum advocates ethical business practices

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), alongside the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), and the United Nations in Malaysia, marked Human Rights Day 2024 with a forum themed “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation.”

The event underscored the critical role businesses play in safeguarding human rights and promoting sustainable development.

Human Rights Protection

In her keynote address, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), highlighted the government’s achievements in human rights. These include initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, the development of a Freedom of Information law, and amendments to the SUHAKAM Act 1999.

She emphasized that these efforts reflect the government’s steadfast commitment to building a just and transparent society. Human Rights Day, she noted, serves as an important reminder of the crucial role that each individual plays in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, emphasized that Malaysia’s aspiration for high-income status depends on the integration of human rights into its development goals. She highlighted that by adopting rights-compliant strategies, businesses not only uphold ethical standards but also unlock significant commercial benefits.

SUHAKAM’s Five-Pillar Approach

SUHAKAM Chairman Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md. Yunus reiterated the importance of human rights as constitutional and international obligations. He emphasized the critical need for Malaysia to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) to align the nation’s development with global human rights standards. Among the key steps forward, he advocated for Malaysia to ratify and accede to pivotal international treaties, including the Refugee Convention of 1951 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In addressing domestic issues, Mohd Hishamudin highlighted the pressing need to combat gender inequality, xenophobia, and discrimination against marginalized groups. He called for strengthening legal aid mechanisms and improving institutional accountability to ensure access to justice for all, particularly the vulnerable. Human rights education was another priority, with an emphasis on integrating these values into schools, workplaces, and communities. He argued that an informed society is better equipped to safeguard its rights while respecting those of others.

The Chairman also stressed the importance of aligning corporate practices with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. He urged businesses to adopt ethical practices that promote both social justice and sustainable growth.

Mohd Hishamudin closed his address with a rallying call for collective action. “The realization of human rights is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a Malaysia where human rights are not only protected but celebrated.” he said.

Green Economy and Regional Cooperation

A key panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo, explored the intersection of business and human rights, emphasizing the role of ethical corporate practices in fostering social justice. Industry experts highlighted strategies to combat forced labor, promote sustainable growth, and align business operations with human rights principles.

SUHAKAM Vice Chairman YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid called for ASEAN to embrace a green economy. “ASEAN must incentivize sustainable practices, penalize harmful activities and ensure corporate accountability. Establishing a Regional Environmental Court, as proposed at the ASEAN MPs Conference on 13 July in Kuala Lumpur, would strengthen governance and environmental justice. These bold steps position ASEAN as a global leader in sustainability, innovation and prosperity,” he noted.

The event also celebrated significant milestones, including the launch of the SUHAKAM Human Rights Module for Educators and the unveiling of human rights treaties in Bahasa Melayu. Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman, Deputy Secretary General (Multilateral Affairs) of Wisma Putra, highlighted Malaysia’s achievements in the Human Rights Council, emphasizing advocacy for marginalized groups and Palestine’s cause.

Collective Action for a Just Future

With over 500 participants from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society, the forum highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in championing human rights. As Malaysia strives for high-income status, the integration of human rights into its policies and corporate strategies is paramount.

Karima El Korri emphasized that empowering rights is essential not only for securing the future but also for ensuring the dignity and prosperity of all. The event concluded with a powerful call to action, urging government, businesses, and citizens to collaborate in building a Malaysia that upholds the rights of every individual.