PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is ready to take an active role to facilitate international reconciliation, cooperation and consensus building after winning a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

       The Prime Minister noted that Malaysia secured 183 votes to serve on the council from 2022 to 2024.

       “We are ready to play an active role – to be the facilitator for conciliation, enabler for cooperation and builder of consensus.

       “Malaysia will work closely with UN Member States to advance the global human rights agenda, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

       “As our nations lay the groundwork for a sustained and inclusive recovery post Covid-19, human rights must be kept at the centre of all our efforts. In unity, for humanity,” he said in a tweet on Thursday night.

       Malaysia was previously elected to the Human Rights Council from 2006 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2013.

       Meanwhile, the United Nations in Malaysia has congratulated the government and for its progressive pledges and commitments.

       “We applaud the government’s commitment under its theme of ‘Unity for Humanity’ to fulfil its obligations under core human rights instruments such as Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

       “We also welcome Malaysia’s pledge to mainstream human rights standards across policies and engage on other human rights treaties,” it said.

       It added that it would continue to support Malaysia’s efforts throughout the Universal Periodic Review process, which involves a review of the human rights records of all UN member states.

       “The Monitoring Matrix, mapped to relevant human rights conventions alongside the Sustainable Development Goals is an invaluable tool.

       “Also, being one of only a few countries that uses the OHCHR’s (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) National Recommendations Tracking Database provides a breakthrough opportunity for Malaysia,” it said.

       It added that it was also ready to support South-South cooperation and experience sharing in the region and beyond, building on Malaysia’s recent interactions with special rapporteurs on extreme poverty and human rights, human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, cultural rights as well as on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material.

       “We welcome Malaysia’s commitment to raise human rights awareness among all stakeholders in a national effort to realise the right to development for all, protect and promote cultural rights, engage in climate action, and roll out the national action plan on business and human rights,” it added.