24 25 Strategic Objective 2: Advancing the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Vulnerable Groups in Malaysia Description Strategic Objective 2: Advancing the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Vulnerable Groups in Malaysia Economic, social and cultural rights are recognised under the UDHR as fundamental rights inherent to all persons without discrimination. Yet in reality, numerous vulnerable communities and individuals could not enjoy the full range of ESCR due to various factors such as direct, indirect or structural, as well as poverty. As such, one of the hallmarks of the human rights approach is the protection of the rights of vulnerable communities so as to ensure they are able to achieve, at the very least, the minimum conditions of a dignified life set forth by the UDHR. Plan of Action for the uplifting of the wellbeing of vulnerable groups in Malaysia are embedded with human rights elements Long Term National strategies for the advancement of ESCR of vulnerable groups in Malaysia adopts the human rights approach. Impact i. Relevant laws and policies relating to the ESCR of vulnerable groups are introduced or reviewed which include SUHAKAM’s recommendations on the human rights perspective recommendations on the human rights perspective Long Term SUHAKAM’s recommendations are reflected in reviewed laws and policies ii. Malaysia ICESCR the Long Term Malaysia accedes to the ICESCR iii. General public and Government are aware of ESCR as human rights, and related domestic issues. Long Term Proportion of public and Government officials who have participated in SUHAKAM events are aware of ESCR, and related domestic issues iv. Government adopts a human rights-based budgetary process Long Term Government adopts a human rights-based budgetary process The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed vulnerable communities and individuals into more dire situations. In Malaysia, among the groups of concern include the indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, children, migrant workers and refugees. The Prime Minister of Malaysia has emphasised numerous times that no one will be left behind during the recovery phase, and that the government will address socioeconomic development imbalances in the impending Twelfth Malaysia Plan. Priorities Photo by LIN JOE YIN Photo by MUSLIANSHAH BIN MASRIE Indicators Outcome Photo by SYADAN BIN GINU In line with the current national direction for the improvement of economic and social wellbeing in Malaysia in the face of COVID-19, SUHAKAM will work towards advancing the economic, social and cultural rights of vulnerable groups in Malaysia. Towards this end, SUHAKAM will apply the following strategies to advance the ESCR of vulnerable communities in Malaysia. Timeframe accedes to