28 29 Strategy: Develop or utilise a monitoring mechanism to assess the progressive realisation of ESCR Description Output Timeframe i. Development and utilisation of a mechanism to monitor the progressive realisation of the listed ESCR by utilising statistical indicators, national policies and budgets, and international commitments (eg through ratified conventions, SDGs, UPR, HRC etc) Medium Term ii. Finalisation and publicity of the monitoring outcome report Long Term Indicators Monitoring mechanism is ready for SUHAKAM’s utilisation latest by the third year SUHAKAM publishes its monitoring reports, and with it, engages the government, and publicise the results to public and partners Strategy: Advocate for Malaysia’s accession to the ICESCR Output i. Submission of SUHAKAM’s position paper to the government, including, but not limited to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on ICESCR, JPM, MOFA and AGC on the benefits of acceding to the ICESCR Medium Term ii. Engagement with the InterAgency Standing Committee on ICESCR to present SUHAKAM’s position and information on benefits of acceding to the ICESCR Long Term SUHAKAM submits its position paper to the relevant agencies Number of engagements with the IASC-ICESCR in the Strategic Plan Period Strategic Objective 3: Combating Racism, Racial Discrimination and Xenophobia Article 1 1. In this Convention, the term "racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination Given the Malaysian scenario of multi-racial, multicultural society, subjects like race, religion and language are very sensitive and has sparked many unwanted incidents in the past, and in recent times. While institutional racism has a more long-term ramification to society as a whole, tackling individual racism is just as important as the systematic elimination of racism in Malaysia. Accusations of racial discrimination in Malaysia stem from racial preferences embodied within the social and economic policy of the government. The underlying factor for this is the racially divided political system and political parties in our country. Racism is deep-rooted in our political system. As a result, the prejudices lead to broader tension, prejudice and stereotype between various ethnic groups. In order to curb unwanted incidents, the authorities have resorted to tough responses, and many people have been taken to task by various laws in the country. Although people become victims of racial discrimination, they do not dare discuss it in the public domain due to its sensitive nature and the repercussions they may end up facing. Article 8 of Federal Constitution is the cornerstone of constitutional protection of the rights to equality and non-discrimination in Malaysia. Article 8(1) states that: “All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law”. While article 8(2) states that “There shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.” Malaysia has embraced and expressed its commitment in implementing the 17 goals underlining the SDGs. NB: Short Term: 2 years and below Medium Term: 3 to 4 years Long Term: 5 years Building on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, Agenda 2030 emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all. The SDGs places the human rights principles of equality and nondiscrimination at its heart, ensuring the inclusion of marginalized, disempowered and excluded groups, and reducing inequalities within and between States, as part of poverty eradication. Although Goal 10 aims at reducing inequality in particular, all other goals promotes the value of non-discrimination. Priorities The Commission shall formulate some concrete strategies to address the problem. The Commission shall begin by developing internal policy against racism and racial discrimination in order to create awareness among its staff and to be exemplary to external parties. This subject matter is not alien to Malaysia alone and it is also not a simple matter to be resolved. Malaysia is a multi–ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society, and the many ethnic groups in Malaysia continue to maintain separate cultural identities. The transborder migration makes Malaysia an even more complex society. The subject is perceived as a sensitive matter and any approach deemed ‘wrong’ could lead to backlash. The problem cannot be resolved overnight, and requires a comprehensive plan together with support from many stakeholders. It is time to learn to accept the reality of Malaysia’s heterogeneity and celebrate our differences without prejudice. The Commission, with its action plans, should form collaborations with strategic partners in tackling this long overdue human rights issue. It is SUHAKAM’s hope that one day soon, there will be a culture of understanding and respect for human rights, regardless of race, religion, background, or status throughout the country, amongst all people, young and old, or those who are privileged or marginalised.