Latest news with #HumanRightsCommissionofMalaysia
The Star
26-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Safer high-rises for kids
Safety first: Experts are calling for measures to be taken to curb accidental falls, especially of children, from high-rise buildings. Photo posed by a model. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star Experts reignite calls for better protection in dwellings PETALING JAYA: Two recent fatalities involving children in high-rise residential buildings have reignited calls for enhanced safety regulations, with a focus on balconies and window grilles. Experts have called for a review of the relevant local government by-laws to make such dwellings safe for toddlers and other young children. Children's Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said the two deaths which occurred within three days made the issue more pressing, with past statistics not to be overlooked. ALSO READ: More than just a view in Singapore and London 'Besides reviewing the existing by-law on balcony height, installing window grilles or netting for high-rise accommodation should be made mandatory. 'The protection of children must override aesthetic considerations,' she said when contacted. On May 17, a two-year-old boy fell to his death from the seventh floor balcony of a public housing flat in Precinct 9, Putrajaya. Following this, a seven-year-old girl who was believed to have climbed out of a window fell to her death from the 29th floor of her babysitter's condominium in Puchong on May 20. Under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL), balcony railings of residential high-rise buildings cannot be less than a metre or 1,000mm, but local authorities can impose stricter requirements. CLICK TO ENLARGE It is also not mandatory for window grilles to be installed in residential high-rise buildings under the UBBL, although it could be regulated by the building's management or voluntarily installed by the owners. Child activist Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS agreed that current by-laws were inadequate in preventing accidental falls involving children at high-rise residences. He said what was needed were by-laws that mandated high-rise residential buildings to be fall-proof for children. 'The UBBL should explicitly address child safety in high-rise dwellings,' he said. The paediatrician suggested mandatory installation of invisible grilles at balconies made from strong stainless steel cables that provide a barrier without obstructing the view. (Invisible grilles are a type of safety grille designed to provide protection without blocking the view or significantly altering the appearance of a window or balcony and typically made of thin, high-tensile stainless steel cables spaced closely together to create a barrier.) Dr Amar also proposed window restrictors to limit the maximum opening of windows to between 10cm and 12cm as well as childproof locks on balcony and sliding doors, and windows. 'Accidental falls from high-rise buildings are posing a threat to children's safety, especially with high-rise living becoming more common. 'Young children are naturally curious but may underestimate the danger. 'In addition, cartoon and TV shows on superheroes may give them a false sense of safety,' he pointed out. Dr Amar said constant supervision by parents and caregivers was important although he accepted that it was difficult to keep an eye on children all the time. 'Parents should evaluate the risk of their high-rise apartments and remove all furniture near windows and balconies so that they do not aid children in climbing,' he said. Dr Amar also suggested that the government provide assistance, mainly to the B40 community who live in flats, to child-proof windows and balconies. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said present by-laws on high-rise residential buildings which did not take into account child safety must be reviewed. 'The design of high-rise buildings are more on aesthetics rather that safety. It does not take into account aspects of children prone to playing along corridors. 'The current by-laws must be relooked to address safety concerns involving children,' he said. Lee suggested the installation of motion- sensing CCTVs at all floors of high-rise buildings which will allow security teams to raise an alert if children were at risk. 'This may involve cost, but it is something worth spending on if it can prevent the loss of life,' he added.
Malaysiakini
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Human rights are universal, not optional
LETTER | The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia strongly condemns the recent attacks by Israeli forces on Palestinian paramedics, health facilities, and designated safe zones. These atrocities blatantly violated agreed ceasefires and have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including children, humanitarian personnel and medical workers. The deliberate targeting of medical teams and aid workers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The attacks on members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society are not isolated incidents, they reflect a broader, systematic disregard for civilian lives, protected persons and fundamental human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. In addition to targeting medical personnel, Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed hospitals, attacked densely populated refugee camps, and launched strikes on designated "safe zones" that should be protected from military operations. These actions are egregious breaches of the principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law, underscoring the ongoing impunity with which such atrocities are committed. Suhakam stands with the global community in condemning this ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The continued violations of ceasefire agreements and the disproportionate use of force must cease without delay. These actions contravene several key international treaties and declarations, including: The Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in times of war and prohibits the targeting of hospitals, medical units and humanitarian personnel. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines the targeting of medical workers and civilians as war crimes. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular: Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 25: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including medical care and social services. The United Nations Charter, under Article 1, mandates all member states to maintain international peace and security and to take effective collective measures to prevent and remove threats to peace. The current military actions are not only unjustifiable but also continue to fuel instability and immense civilian suffering. In light of the Security Council's inaction, we call on the UN General Assembly to invoke the Uniting for Peace resolution (Resolution 377A(V)), which empowers the General Assembly to recommend that UN member states take collective measures, including sanctions and peacekeeping operations, in the event the Security Council fails to act due to the lack of unanimity among its permanent members. Suhakam also calls on the government to take a principled and vocal stand on the international stage in support of efforts to end all forms of apartheid, occupation, colonial domination, and collective punishment inflicted on the Palestinian people. It is critical to recognise that the root of the crisis lies in a longstanding system of oppression and displacement. Any political solution must address the structural injustices that have been entrenched since the Nakba and perpetuated through decades of occupation. Human rights are not optional; they are universal. The people of Gaza deserve peace, dignity, and justice. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Suhakam calls for National Harmony Act to address racism, discrimination
According to Suhakam, the report serves as a timely reminder that, despite 68 years of independence, racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded in the country's institutions, public discourse and societal attitudes. – Malay Mail photo KUCHING (May 4): The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the government to introduce a National Harmony Act to foster mutual respect, promote inclusivity and protect all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination. This call follows the publication of the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 by Pusat Komas, a Malaysian civil society organisation, in March this year. The report provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges of racism and racial discrimination in the country. According to Suhakam, the report serves as a timely reminder that, despite 68 years of independence, racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded in the country's institutions, public discourse and societal attitudes. 'It is both important and urgent to address the growing concerns surrounding racial harmony and discrimination in Malaysia,' said the commission in a statement today. Suhakam said this call serves as both a salutary reminder and a call to action for all Malaysians to unite in addressing the persistent issues of racism and discrimination. This aligns with with its mandate to promote awareness and advocate for human rights. Malaysia, it noted, is a nation built on diversity, and its multicultural and multi-religious heritage is not a weakness but a strength – one that must be nurtured with understanding, mutual respect and a shared commitment to equality. Suhakam further pointed out that racial harmony is not merely a national aspiration but an essential foundation for national unity, sustainable development and happiness. The commission pledged to remain steadfast in its stance that racism – whether institutional, cultural or interpersonal – has no place in modern Malaysia. It cautioned that racial discrimination breeds inequality, resentment and division, undermining the dignity of individuals and communities while eroding the social fabric that binds the nation. Suhakam cited Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which declares that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law, regardless of race or religion. Additionally, Article 12 further reinforces the right to equality by affirming non-discrimination in any educational institution maintained by a public authority, thereby fostering an environment where every citizen has equal access to education. 'These constitutional guarantees are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which Malaysia is committed, to the extent that its provisions are consistent with the Federal Constitution. 'Article 1 of the UDHR states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,' it said. Suhakam called for sustained commitment from all sectors of society – government, civil society, political leaders, media practitioners, educators and ordinary Malaysians. It emphasised that everyone has a role in rejecting hate speech and divisive rhetoric, upholding inclusive values and promoting policies that enhance equality and justice. As such, Suhakam urged all stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive dialogue, implementing educational and policy reforms and cultivating empathy and understanding across communities. 'By doing so, we can lay the groundwork for a more just, equitable and united Malaysia,' the commission added. discrimination lead National Harmony Act racism suhakam
