EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recognising that it is crucial for the Commission to appear in court cases involving human rights issues, the Commission is studying the possibility of playing the role of amicus curiae in such cases. REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WORKING GROUP (ECOSOCWG) The ECOSOCWG continued to engage and work closely with the Government, NGOs and civil society organisations to address related issues. Its activities included Roundtable Discussions on human rights, religious freedom, rights of Penan women vis-a-vis allegation of rape, trafficking in persons, and on human rights and business. Several meetings were arranged with Government agencies and NGOs to improve working relations. REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE (IICC) The Commission undertook several key roles at the international and regional levels to enhance interaction. At the international level, the Commission participated in activities and meetings organised by the UN International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC). Much of the discussion centred on the Commission’s status in the ICC. This led to amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 to make it consistent with the Paris Principles as interpreted by the ICC. Following the amendments, the Commission was confirmed on ‘A’ status. Regionally, the Commission was involved in the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) and hosted the 7th Annual Meeting from 15-16 November. As a member of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), the Commission participated in activities pertinent to the advancement of regional human rights. The Commission is now working to engage with the recently established ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), to build a good working relationship for the promotion and protection of human rights across the region. 10