11th February 2009
Statement by the Sri Lanka Delegation
“Mr. President,
The Sri Lanka delegation welcomes the Hon. Tan Sri Rastam Mohammed Isa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wishes to congratulate Malaysia for its informative and elaborate report on the human rights situation in Malaysia.
Sri Lanka delegation notes with appreciation of the several steps taken by Malaysia to protect and promote human rights. Malaysia must be commended for initiating reforms to reaffirm public confidence in the Judiciary and to address public concerns. The Universities and University Colleges Act of 1971 is being reviewed to confer on students of higher institutions and their organizations freedom of association. Malaysia also developed comprehensive policies and strategies for the development of indigenous groups and communities.
My delegation is pleased that Malysia has, to give effect to its international obligations, enacted several legislations such as the Child Act of 2001, the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2008 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2008. An Inter- Agency Coordinating Committee has been established with the task to recommend for accession to treaties, and to streamline and coordinate Malaysia's legal obligations under the human rights treaties. A comprehensive review of the national legal framework is being undertaken to ensure compatibility with the principles and provisions of the CRC and CEDAW.
It must be commended that Malaysia has managed to reduce the incidence of poverty drastically and to lessen inequalities in income and education while achieving rapid economic growth and maintaining racial harmony.
My delegation wishes to recommend that Malaysia continues to intensify effort to prevent and combat disparities against children belonging to vulnerable groups including children of indigenous group, children with disabilities as well as those living in remote areas. Sri Lanka also recommends Malaysia to continue its efforts in providing educational facilities to students with special educational needs such as children with visual impairment, children with hearing impairment and those with learning difficulties.
Thank you Mr. President.”
(Statement was delivered by Mr. U. L. M. Jauhar, Minister, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva)