Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group I. RESEARCH DIVISION It has long been recognised that an essential element in protecting human rights was a widespread knowledge among the population of what their rights are and how they can be defended. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Sixth UN Secretary-General, 1992-1996 Under its restructuring exercise, the Commission consolidated the former Law Reform and International Treaties Working Group; the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Working Group; and the International Issues and Cooperation Committee into the Research and Policy Development Group. It is responsible for assisting the Commission in advising the Government to ensure that laws and policies are in line with applicable human rights standards; and recommending the ratification of, or accession to, international human rights instruments. In addition, it is the focal point for the Commission’s participation in international human rights fora. The Research Division assumes the roles and functions of the Law Reform and International Treaties Working Group. During the year, the Division undertook studies to obtain stakeholders’ views on evolving human rights issues. It also assisted in preparing Independent Reports to the United Nations (UN) on implementation of Malaysia’s obligations under the international treaties that it has ratified. 74