Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

History

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) was established by Parliament under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, Act 597. Complaints regarding human trafficking have constantly been lodged with SUHAKAM over the years. Although it is not an enforcement agency for transnational crimes, SUHAKAM has been acting as a bridge between complainants and enforcement agencies to ensure that immediate and appropriate action is taken on every complaint. In supporting the country’s effort to combat human trafficking, SUHAKAM has held various dialogues and roundtable discussions with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders, as well as made submissions to the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO) in Malaysia. SUHAKAM also conducts periodic visits to shelters for victims of human trafficking and continues to promote greater awareness among all levels of the society of the danger of human trafficking as well as the importance to ensure the human rights of trafficked victims are guaranteed from the moment they are rescued, and during their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Mission

To strive as a National Human Rights Institution to promote, protect and fulfill human rights for all in Malaysia on the basis of equality and non-discrimination, through: action, education, engagement and the empowerment of society; the promotion of the understanding of human rights; and the integration of human rights into all aspects of life

Vision

A society in which human rights are fully respected and enjoyed equally by all