20 Henceforth, there is the critical need to foster good relations between communities in this context. SUHAKAM will implement efforts to eliminate racial prejudices, stereotypes and hatred while at the same time promote respect towards cultural, racial and religious diversities by way of increasing public awareness on racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia; and fostering constructive intercultural dialogues. Further, through its research and advocacy functions, SUHAKAM will ascertain and bring to light incidences of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in the country and how these could curtail and even deteriorate the enjoyment of other human rights. SUHAKAM will also continue its advocacy for Malaysia to introduce an anti-discrimination law and accede to the ICERD, while at the same time, work closely with the government to review existing laws, policies and programmes to ensure that promote harmony as well as embody the principles of equality and non-discrimination in line with international standards. Aside from this, SUHAKAM will advocate for the establishment of a reliable and effective mechanism that is mandated to not only receive complaints, but also provide remedial measures for victims of racial discrimination and xenophobia. The fourth strategic objective will focus on enhancing the realisation of children’s rights, of which efforts will be spearheaded by the newly established Office of the Children’s Commissioner within SUHAKAM. Towards achieving this objective, the OCC will play a role in monitoring the government and other relevant actors’ actions – or inactions – for the realisation of children’s rights, in line with the obligations Malaysia subscribed to when it ratified the CRC. The Children’s Commissioner of SUHAKAM will promote and work for the protection of children’s rights; including to sensitize the Government, public agencies and the general public to the provisions of the Convention, assist in the implementation of human rights education in schools, and ensure human rights education include a focus on children. The OCC will also work towards strengthening child-friendly practices in its own operations, using a child rights approach in all its work. In employing the strategies above, SUHAKAM will take into account domestic laws, policies and programmes including, but not limited to, Malaysia’s national budgets and 5-year national plans, as well as Malaysia’s international commitments relevant to human rights like the SDGs, UPR and the various human rights mechanisms and platforms under the United Nations. 21 Strategic Objectives Strategic Objective 1: Strengthening SUHAKAM’s Role and Leadership as Malaysia’s National Human Rights Institution and as an Independent Body for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Malaysia Strategic Objective 1: Strengthening SUHAKAM’s Role and Leadership as Malaysia’s National Human Rights Institution and as an Independent Body for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Malaysia 2020 marks the end of Vision 2020 and the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, 2016-2020 period. The Twelfth Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 (12MP) 4 will be aligned with the shared prosperity initiative encompassing three dimensions, namely economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and social reengineering. It aims to ensure an inclusive and meaningful socioeconomic development towards a more prosperous society. Description Outcome SUHAKAM believes that in line with this effort, the nation should concurrently strive to be fully compliant with international human rights standards. It should go hand in hand with Malaysia being a full participant in the international human rights system, as a party to all core human rights treaties, and that these treaties should be implemented domestically, in law and practice. Timeframe Indicators i. To enhance public awareness, respect and support for human rights and empower the public to act for human rights Long Term Proportion of population are aware of human rights concepts and principles ii. To ensure that domestic laws, policies and procedures comply with, and are enforced in accordance with international human rights standards Long Term Reduction in cases which involve violation of human rights as reported in the media iii. To ensure that complaints of infringement of human rights are handled effectively, so that as many as possible are resolved successfully Medium Term – Long Term Number of complaints received and resolved through SUHAKAM complaints mechanism i. Increased knowledge and better practices on human rights among teachers, students and school administrators Short Term Proportion of students with knowledge ii. Increased compliance of domestic laws with international treaty obligation Long Term Number of domestic laws and policies are in line with international human rights standards iii. Increased recognition and adoption of human rights principles by courts Medium Term Number of successful interventions in judicial proceedings Number of complaints received by selected civil society organisations Priorities SUHAKAM commits itself during the period of this Strategic Plan to contribute to the nation building, by promoting and protecting human rights through the effective exercise of its statutory responsibilities. • • • 4 To enhance the capacity of the Commission to ensure effective implementation of its role as a National Human Rights Institution To engage strategically with all relevant stakeholders, including parliamentarians and other political leaders, government officials, non government and community organisations, professional associations and the media To monitor the human rights situation in Malaysia generally and in specific areas and locations, including places of detention, and at specific events Twelve Malaysia Plan by Economic Planning Unit http://rmke12.epu.gov.my/ about-us Impact teachers and human rights