The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is calling for stronger efforts to eliminate the stigma and discrimination faced by migrants in commemoration of International Migrants Day on Thursday.
Published: Thursday December 18, 2014 MYT 12:46:00 PM
Updated: Thursday December 18, 2014 MYT 12:47:48 PM
by victoria brown
PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is calling for stronger efforts to eliminate the stigma and discrimination faced by migrants in commemoration of International Migrants Day on Thursday.
Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam urged for the use of proper terminology to be used when referring to undocumented or irregular migrants.
“The Commission wishes to remind the media that the term ‘illegal immigrant’ is not a legal concept and is inaccurate, as the person concerned is not illegal,” said Hasmy in a statement.
He also called for a plan that “integrates development and respect for the human rights of migrants and their families” as part of the Government’s inclusive agenda on international migration.
Hasmy added that the Government must ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
Hasmy said Malaysia should also undertake concrete efforts in line with the United Nations General Assembly Declaration of the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development.
“This Declaration reaffirms the need to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, reiterates the commitment to fight human trafficking, and strongly condemns manifestations of racism and intolerance towards these group of persons,” said Hasmy.
He further urged for the finalisation of the drafting of the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers adopted in 2007.