Malaysia has been given the honour to be a member to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2022-2024, following
elections held during the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday. Malaysia received an
overwhelming majority of 183 votes.
Malaysia’s election to the HRC is a testament of the international community’s recognition and confidence in the country’s endeavours as a
consensus builder and facilitator towards the advancement of human rights. During its membership, Malaysia plans to prioritise
constructive engagement, cooperation, inclusivity, transparency and mutual respect in the HRC.
As a Council member, Malaysia intends to prioritise the rights of vulnerable groups particularly children, women, the indigenous people, and
the elderly. Malaysia plans to push for the empowerment of youths to have a bigger role at all levels of decision-making. Malaysia will also
uphold access to safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right that needs to be protected and promoted. At the
international level, Malaysia will continue to advocate strongly against human rights violations, such as the systemic oppression of the
Palestinian people and the Rohingya in Myanmar, and work together with the international community to rebuild Afghanistan.
Malaysia has served in the HRC twice before, from 2006-2009 and 2010-2013 where it worked constructively with all stakeholders in the
pursuit of a balanced and non-politicised approach to human rights issues.
Malaysia believes that the role of the HRC is now more vital than ever, especially as the world rebuilds and recovers from the COVID-19
pandemic, to ensure that human rights is kept at the center. To this end, Malaysia will remain actively engaged with the Council as well as
its related processes to find common ground, build back stronger in peaceful coexistence and ensure that no one is left behind.
The HRC is a 47-member inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of all
human rights. It considers all thematic human rights issues, human rights violations and specific situations requiring attention.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia