CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 4 - REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WORKING GROUP REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WORKING GROUP The Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Working Group (ECOSOCWG) has worked closely with the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations to address key issues, including trafficking in persons, freedom of religion, and the rights of indigenous peoples (IPs) and single mothers. The ECOSOCWG, also coordinated efforts with parliamentarians in order to raise human rights issues for the Government’s attention. 1. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION (RTD) ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF RELIGION The RTD was held on 31 March, in response to a memorandum received by the Commission pertaining to a series of arson attacks on places of worship early in the year. The objectives were to: • Discuss the growing incidence of racial intolerance in Malaysia; • Discuss the role of religious bodies and NGOs to resolve religion-based conflict and promote racial tolerance; and • Make recommendations to strengthen respect for freedom of religion and religious practices. The RTD saw attendance from eight members of the Commission, representatives of groups like the Christian Federation of Malaysia and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, and the Department of National Unity and Integration. Issues Raised by Participants (i) Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right This is stipulated in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Thus, the State has a duty to ensure that this right is preserved and protected. 61