Chapter 1 REPORT OF THE POLICY, LAW AND COMPLAINTS GROUP CHAPTER 1 I. POLICY DIVISION During the year, the Policy Division focused its work and advocacy on issues related to business and human rights; the National Human Rights Action Plan; follow-up action on the report of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia, and research on transgender rights, particularly the right to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and dignity. The Policy Division also conducted follow-up activities on the Commission’s past thematic study on ‘The Right to Education for Children with Learning Disabilities’. 1. BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (a) National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights for Malaysia In continuation of the Commission’s work in advocating for a NAP on Business and Human Rights for Malaysia, and in view of the commitment made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, YB Senator Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan, during the launching of the Strategic Framework on a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights for Malaysia in 2015, that the Government would develop a NAP on Business and Human Rights, several follow-up meetings were held during the year between the Commission and YB Senator Datuk Paul Low’s Office. The Policy Division also assisted the Office in preparing a Cabinet Paper for the Government’s approval to develop a NAP on Business and Human Rights for Malaysia. The Cabinet Paper also highlighted, among others, the rationale and justification for the Government to develop such a plan. Although the Government is currently developing a National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP), the Commission is of the view that there is a need for a separate plan on business and human rights as the proposed plan will focus solely on the Government’s duty to protect as well as businesses’ responsibility to respect human rights in their business activities as prescribed in the UNGP on Business and Human Rights. The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights in its 2014 report to the UN General Assembly clearly stated that National Action Plans are a SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 17 suhakam 2new.indd 17 3/23/17 5:54 PM