Chapter 3- Report of the Research and Policy Development Group
level. The Commission will monitor the development of issues and stands ready to assist the
Government.
Table 3: Activities under ATIP, 2013
NO.
ACTIVITY
DATE
1.
RTD with NGOs to move the ATIP agenda forward
28 February
2.
Meeting with representative of the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees to discuss issues in Malaysia
1 March
3.
Visit to shelter for female victims of human trafficking, Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah
7 March
4.
Briefing by the US Embassy on the [TIP] Report on Malaysia
2013
23 July
5.
RTD with diplomatic missions in Malaysia
27 August
6.
Dialogue between NGOs and YB Senator Datuk Paul Low Seng
Kuan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
3 September
The Commission’s Recommendations
1.
The Government should strengthen its mechanisms in prosecuting offenders, protecting
victims and deterring human trafficking. This should be done in partnership with civil
society groups and diplomatic missions, as well as international and regional stakeholders.
2.
NGOs should be provided an avenue to offer expertise to the Council for ATIP, since many
victims are more inclined to approach members of civil society for assistance.
3.
All victims should be given an immediate health check upon arrival at a shelter, as well as
receive regular visits by medical personnel.
4.
A dedicated court should be established to expedite the resolution of cases pertaining to
ATIP. Victims should be informed of the status of their case.
(f) Amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999
In 2012, the Commission had recommended an amendment of its power to visit places of
detention to allow for unscheduled visits. In 2013, the Commission reiterated the proposal.
It further recommended that the Government consider its proposals on the selection and term
appointment of Commissioners; whether to appoint full-time or part-time Commissioners;
power to intervene in court cases; power to undertake mediation; debate on the Commission’s
report in Parliament; and to consult the Commission on formulation and amendment of laws.
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