3. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN (NHRAP) CHAPTER 1 In continuation of the Commission’s role in the Steering Committee of the NHRAP, on 9 August a follow-up meeting with the appointed Consultant, Hazizah and Co, was held to obtain the progress of the development of the NHRAP. At the meeting, it was briefed that the Consultant had interviewed 36 ministries and agencies and was planning to interview 15 more agencies. In addition to that, the Consultant had also conducted an online survey on general perceptions of human rights. More than 3000 Malaysian respondents had taken part in the survey. In addition, the Commission was given assurance that a draft NHRAP would be ready either in November or December. Upon completion of the draft, the next round of consultations will be held with the stakeholders to obtain their feedback on the draft. The Commission is looking forward to working together with the Consultant and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department on this matter. The Commission is committed to seeing the realisation of the NHRAP and therefore will continue to assist wherever possible. The Commission would like to reiterate its recommendations, and urges the Government to ensure that the development of the NHRAP by the Consultant will strictly adhere to the timeline given, which is a period of 18 months (November 2015 to April 2017), so as to avoid further delay. 4. RESEARCH ON TRANSGENDER This year, the Commission agreed to undertake a baseline study to obtain information on discrimination faced by the transgender community in the country. The study focused on obtaining first-hand information on discrimination faced by transgender people/persons. Structured interview sessions were held whereby respondents were required to give detailed information on matters that pertain to demography as well as the rights to employment, health care, education, housing, and dignity. In the section on dignity, questions were asked relating to abuse or violence by actors including public authorities during arrest and detention, family members, and society. The Commission interviewed 100 respondents, including transwomen and transmen. The Commission also appointed an external researcher to assist the Commission in analysing the data gathered from the survey. The research is targeted to be completed by next year. 5. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) a) The Right to Education for Children with Learning Disabilities In 2015, the Commission had launched a report entitled ‘The Right to Education for Children with Learning Disabilities (CWLD): Focusing on Primary SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 27 suhakam 2new.indd 27 3/23/17 5:54 PM