● Observe the international principle of non-refoulement of refugees or asylum seekers and provide protection to the migrant and refugee community including access to work, education, healthcare, and shelter whilst in Malaysia. ● Accede to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons 1954, Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness 1961 and Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951. 4.6. Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation SUHAKAM has been receiving complaints from transgender persons on human rights violations including harassment, bullying, denial of employment and education opportunities and medical treatment. Recommendations: ● All individuals are entitled to equal fundamental rights under the FC and reflected in policies. 4.7. Trafficking in Persons According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, Malaysia was upgraded to Tier 2-Watch List category that signifies significant progress in addressing TIP issues. The Government launched the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons 2021 - 2025 (NAPTIP 3.0) in March 2021 and the National Action Plan on Forced Labour (NAPFL) in November 2021. To realize the objectives of NAPTIP 3.0 and NAPFL, collaboration between the Government, civil society organizations and relevant stakeholders is urgently required. Recommendation: ● Ensure full protection and assistance for trafficked and smuggled victims at all stages, in line with international standards set by the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. 5. Strengthening of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) SUHAKAM’s 2018 Annual Report was debated for the first time in Parliament in 2019 and SUHAKAM’s 2020 Annual Report was debated in Parliament in 2023 signifying an important commitment by the Government to improve human rights in Malaysia. Amendments to the SUHAKAM Act 1999 [Act 597] is crucial to enhance SUHAKAM’s effectiveness and its compliance with the Paris Principles. 9