CHAPTER 3 - REPORT OF THE LAW REFORM AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES WORKING GROUP The Commission is appreciative of the input and hopes to hear the views of other groups, such as the Buddhists and Taoists, at a later date. The Commission notes that there are other views within the religious groups on the rights of the sexual minorities. The Commission stands firm that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation should be able to enjoy the full range of human rights without exception. Violence, abuse and violations of the rights of the sexual minorities cannot be justified. (b) Human Rights Conference, 2nd Asia-Pacific OutGames, Wellington, New Zealand The Commission’s representatives attended the event, held in March, to expand knowledge of the wide range of issues involving the sexual minorities. The objectives of the Conference were to connect individuals and organisations, to share experiences and knowledge, and to provide opportunities for collaboration. The participants included representatives of other national human rights institutions, governments, NGOs and international organisations. The topics covered the challenges and human rights violations that the sexual minorities face worldwide, the relationship between the sexual minorities and religion, politics and culture and the rise of the sexual minorities agenda at the international level. The Commission presented its recent work on the rights of the sexual minorities and shared some experiences in relation to the issue. The knowledge gained from the Conference will assist the Commission in carrying out its work on the sexual minorities within the Malaysian context. Participants at the Human Rights Conference in Wellington, New Zealand 61