U.S. Statement at the UPR of Malaysia
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – 17th Session
Intervention for Malaysia
As delivered by Miriam Schive
UN Human Rights Council
Geneva,
October 24, 2013
The United States welcomes the Malaysian delegation.
We are encouraged by Malaysia’s 2012 repeal of the Internal Security Act as a sign of its commitment to strengthening human rights. We also note Malaysia’s cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on migrant issues.
We would like to see progress on Prime Minister Najib’s 2012 pledge to amend or repeal both the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses and Publication Act, which impede Malaysia’s efforts to fulfill its international human rights commitments on freedoms of expression and assembly.
We note Malaysia’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons, but remain deeply concerned that trafficking victims continue to be detained in government facilities.
We recommend that Malaysia:
1. Amend or repeal both the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publication Act, to bring Malaysia’s domestic security legislation in line with its international human rights commitments on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association;
2. Consider ratifying the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and allowing refugees and other migrants to seek employment while they await resettlement or other durable solutions;
3. Cease the practice of detaining trafficking victims, and allow them to travel, work, and reside outside government facilities.