Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group 5. HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ARTS The Commission explored creative approaches in promoting human rights through the arts, through two new projects. (a) ‘Human Rights Comics’ Given the popularity of comics among children today, it was felt that this would be an interesting medium in taking the human rights message to – and beyond – the school environment. The cartoon illustrations are based on a set of stories highlighting human rights values connected to the daily lives of children. The comics are expected to be published in 2014. (b) ‘Human Rights Video’ The Commission engaged the services of the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation of Universiti Teknologi MARA to come up with the video. It will be used as an additional tool in promoting human rights values to the public. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2014. 6. TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS The Commission intensified its engagement with grassroots communities through outreach programmes in: (i) Perlis: ‘SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat‘ in Kangar, and a visit to the Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre for recovering drug addicts in Chabang, on 21 February; (ii) Pahang: ‘SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat‘ in Kuala Lipis, and a visit to the Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre for recovering drug addicts in Benta, on 2 July; and (iii) Perak: ‘SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat‘ in Gerik on 1 October. These programmes were to enhance awareness of the Commission’s work and enable participants to exchange views on human rights issues, as well as to air their grievances on alleged violations. Among issues raised were those related to women’s rights within the ambit of Syariah Law; the need for uniformity in administrating Islamic law in all states; the inadequacy of government aid for Sekolah Agama Rakyat; and the need to improve the quality of public healthcare services as most Malaysians find the cost of private healthcare to be exorbitant. Exhibitions were organised during the ‘SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat’ programmes, as well as at the invitation of three tertiary institutions – the International Islamic University Malaysia (29-31 January); Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (26-30 April); and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (11 May). 35