SUHAKAM’s REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN treated as separate issue, as it will cause confusion and problems in identifying trafficked victims.29 (iii) In addition, the Government launched the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons which showed the Government’s commitment to combat trafficking in Malaysia. The National Action Plan outlines a five year action plan (2010-2015) to determine the direction and focus on efforts towards achieving the national goal of preventing and suppressing the problem of trafficking in persons. The Action Plan also included the establishment of a Council for AntiTrafficking in Persons (currently known as Council for Anti- Trafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants) under the Home Ministry to monitor the crime and undertake appropriate measures to prevent and eliminate human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The Commission was appointed a member of the Council in the Committee on Protection and Rehabilitation, where the Commission’s role is to focus on the human rights aspects of human trafficking and identify gaps that exist which aggravate the problem. (iv) As of 23 May 2012, there were two designated shelter homes to place women victims of trafficking under the purview of the Women Development Department. On the other hand, child trafficked victims are placed in a separate shelter home under the purview of the Social Welfare Department. (v) The Commission hopes that the human rights of the victims are safeguarded from the moment they are rescued, rehabilitated and up till the process of their integration into society. The Commission further recommends that awareness-raising among all levels of the society, in particular women and children be intensified. International, regional and multi-agency cooperation must be strengthened and expanded due to the cross border nature of human trafficking.30 29 SUHAKAM’s Annual Report 2010. p. 58. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Chapter 7, Trafficking of women, Report on the status of women’s right in Malaysia, p. 51. 14 30