Describe the mandate of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

Human Rights Institutions Questions



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Describe the mandate of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, also known as SUHAKAM, was established in 1999 with the mandate to promote and protect human rights in Malaysia. Its primary objectives include:

1. Promotion of human rights: SUHAKAM works towards raising awareness and understanding of human rights among the public, government agencies, and civil society organizations. It conducts educational programs, seminars, and workshops to promote a culture of human rights in Malaysia.

2. Monitoring and investigation: The commission monitors the human rights situation in Malaysia and investigates complaints of human rights violations. It has the authority to summon witnesses, gather evidence, and make recommendations to relevant authorities for redress and accountability.

3. Advising the government: SUHAKAM provides advice and recommendations to the government on policies, legislation, and practices related to human rights. It aims to ensure that national laws and policies are in line with international human rights standards.

4. Engaging with international human rights mechanisms: The commission actively participates in international human rights forums and engages with regional and international human rights bodies. It collaborates with other national human rights institutions to exchange best practices and promote human rights at the international level.

5. Human rights education and research: SUHAKAM conducts research on human rights issues and publishes reports and studies to contribute to the development of human rights in Malaysia. It also provides training and capacity-building programs to enhance the understanding and implementation of human rights principles.

Overall, the mandate of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia is to protect, promote, and uphold human rights in the country, ensuring that all individuals enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.