KEY ISSUES (c) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) PWDs continue to experience hardship and neglect in the planning and provision of public amenities, which has led to denial, or limited means, of access to public areas. Additionally, they have insufficient support services to enable inclusive education; as well as face discrimination in developing their careers or accessing job opportunities. Although Malaysia has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it has also expressed reservations to certain articles. The Commission urges the Government to fulfil its obligations by ensuring that PWDs enjoy their inherent right to life, absence of discrimination, equal rights, access to justice, and participation in political life. PWDs are entitled to exercise their civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights on an equal basis with others. (d) Sexual Minority Groups The Commission is concerned by the ill-treatment, discrimination, bullying, humiliation and intimidation of the sexual minority groups. Some sections of the media have sensationalised issues involving the groups, displaying lack of sensitivity and respect for them. The Commission stands firm that the sexual minority groups’ rights and fundamental liberties must be upheld and respected at all times. They are entitled to enjoy their human rights like all human beings. Brutality and violation of their rights cannot be justified. (e) Migrant Workers, Asylum Seekers and Refugees (i) Rights of migrant workers Most of the complaints that the Commission received with regard to migrant workers were about incomplete or irregular payment of wages, lack of compensation for accidents at work and delays in renewal of work permits. The Commission relayed the complaints to the relevant agencies and has monitored the cases to ensure that action is taken. As for delays in the renewal of work permits, the Commission has recommended that the Immigration Department should expedite the process to avoid potential harassment and arrest of migrant workers. The Government’s latest amnesty programme for migrant workers, carried out during the year, was aimed at deriving the actual number of irregular migrant workers in Malaysia and issuing them with documents for work or returning them to their countries of origin at their own cost and without penalty. The Commission welcomes the programme as it will provide those retained with fair and responsible work and appropriate protection under the law to ensure that they are not exploited. The Commission urges the Government to ensure that there is no attempt to exert further control over migrant workers and to also ensure that they are treated fairly. It is hoped that the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 will protect migrant workers from being exploited by irresponsible parties. 17