Conclusion on Third Question

Thanks to Munira, Intan and Shikin. It is likely to say that Malaysia is indeed pursuing good roles in combating the violation of human rights in a distinguish way. As what Munira stated earlier on, the investment and trading in Africa in terms of economy by the Malaysian government has resulting an effective cooperation within these two nations. Investing in telecommunications, hotels, banking and real estate sectors has directly providing job opportunities among the locals for a better earning for living, in another words, to afford basic human needs such as clean water, nutrition, health care, clothing and shelter. Foreseeing such potential in Africa, Malaysia is also expecting a better understanding within the countries in coping the humanitarian issues as one of the responsibilities in keeping the world in peace and harmony. But we must be noted that, this effort may takes many years to achieve the goals but nonetheless creating an inspiring image for Malaysia in the eyes of the world.

As for Intan's argument, I would like to clarify that SUHAKAM did not play as a major contributer in terms of tackling up with the African humanitarian issues. Somehow i would say that, it has brought up attentions among the Malaysian citizens on the importance of human rights. It is about the awareness, that may have been leading many individuals to open up and share their thoughts about violation of human rights outside of Malaysia. Moreover, many positive actions such as financial support by NGOs to fund humanitarian activities like MERCY and even the younger generation are now voicing out their opinions through websites and blogs. The Islamic Relief Malaysia is a good kick-start. Although it has just started few years back in Malaysia, it is a reputable platform to encourage more Malaysians to join and contribute together in the international level in aiming to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish local development projects to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease.

A very interesting point-of-view by Shikin. I agreed that the 'Asian Value' has been a great factor on molding the understanding of human rights among the nations in this region. Despite the disputation over the Western thoughts, the Asian has learned great lessons of history. Many Asian countries before independence lived in a very unfortunate condition with the existence of hierarchy and discrimination of the rich towards the poor. Although we see that the Western invasion had caused economy exploitation and political crisis, the influence of Western thinking has brought up many famous local scholars to fight for their rights. Hence, inspiring modernization and developing a sustainable nation. Upon the criticism for our 'bold' movements is a norm to smaller countries like us. This is due to the lack of publicity and coverage.

I believe, with a little help would save thousands of lives in Africa. As the future think-tanks, we hope to conduct a substantial human rights policy in order to generate a conducive world of peace and harmony and to uphold the equality of all nations.

by Hazie Kan <3

Malaysian Approach On Human Rights

Malaysia takes a holistic approach on human rights that it's views all rights as indivisible and interdependent. All Malaysian were protected by laws under the Fedaral Constitution that chartered from the freedom of religious to the rights of justice for everyone. But these rights are not absolute and subjest to public order, morality and national security, among others which is consistent with Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2009). Malaysia took the 'Asian Value' which means the laws and rules were set up according to our values and norms to suit the people. This is to make sure the equality and fairness for everyone and to keep the harmony among our multiracial people. We are definitely cannot follow the Western's way thoroughly because of the differences on our cultural and social. Futhermore not everything that came out from the West is right. As Tun Mahathir Mohamed once said,

'We believe that human rights always applies to the majority, who should have its rights protected. When people demonstrate and go to the streets, they deprive the majority from earning the living'.

In years, Malaysia has been supporting the development of human rights in this region and internationally. Malaysia is part of the Asian Human Rights Commission which is one of the main organization that working on promoting human rights in Asia. This cooperation is one platform for us to get involve in international arena. In Africa specifically, we have been helping them through investments and developments in few of the countries there, as been stated in the earlier posts by other members of my group. Besides that, a few Malaysian NGOs are working independently in helping these dire nations such as Mercy.

Eventhough we have been critized by others (mainly by the West) for our 'bold' movements on this issue but so far we had managed to uphold the justice for the people. Human rights is not an 'easy' issue as it involves many aspects and the fact that it is hard to please everyone.

The Role of Islamic Relief Malaysia

In my opinion, I am quite disagree with the Hazie opinion on The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) in the context of Malaysian contribution towards the human rights issue in Africa. As we know, SUHAKAM only one of the Malaysian government agency that promoting human rights among our nation. Despite of that, Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) is one of our NGO's that really active on medical assistance especially in African conflict situation. I will share with all of us about the Islamic Relief Malaysia non-government organization that contribute in humanitarian assistance in East Africa.

ISLAMIC RELIEF MISSION Islamic Relief strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide regardless of colour, race gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish local development projects to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. ISLAMIC RELIEF BACKGROUND Islamic Relief is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for emergency relief and sustainable development dedicated into helping the world’s poorest population. Established in 1984 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Islamic Relief is the first Muslim humanitarian organization to be formed in Europe. The Founder, Dr. Hany al-Banna decided to establish Islamic Relief after he witnessed the effect of devastating famine in sub-Saharan Africa. Islamic Relief headquarter remained in Birmigham to date. In 1988, its capacity grew to become a functional team. In 1993, Islamic Relief obtained a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).In 1992-1993, more offices were established in Europe: Albania, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, as well as in the United States. Until now Islamic Relief is actively involved in emergency relief and humanitarian development worldwide including Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chad, Chechya, China, Mesir, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kosova, Lebanon, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Africa, Sudan and Yemen. ISLAMIC RELIEF MALAYSIA Islamic Relief Malaysia was officially formed in Malaysia in 2005. Understanding the mission, Islamic Relief Malaysia main objectives are to support fundraising and continue Islamic Relief humanitarian aid in the region. Islamic Relief Malaysia is also responsible to increase awareness and providing accurate and updated Islamic Relief information to people in Malaysia. Other than fundraising, Islamic Relief Malaysia also implement community, economies and social development programs in Malaysia where the target group beneficiaries are the poor, orphans, single mothers, senior citizens and physically challenged. Kenya Islamic Relief is currently working in Mandera District which have been seriously affected by the drought and food crisis. We are currently running 27 supplementary feeding centres which are providing emergency food and nutritional support to thousands of malnourished children and pregnant women. Our teams of health workers visit local communities to identify those in need of support and then refer them to our health centre where they receive rations of highly nutritious food as well as essential medical care. To help communities affected by drought we have repaired and constructed new water systems, providing more than 75,000 people with clean, safe water. We have also set up water committees and trained local people as health and hygiene promoters to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases. By providing training, equipment and seeds, Islamic Relief has also been successful in helping hundreds of farmers to irrigate their land and to grow crops on previously arid land. We have also set up grain and fodder banks to help pastoralists and farmers cope with the ongoing drought and lack of pasture. Ethiopia In Ethiopia we are working in the Somali region and the Afar region in the east of the country. Here we are helping communities affected by water shortages by repairing and cleaning water sources. Most people in these regions are pastoralists who are dependent on their animals for food and a source of income. To help local communities preserve their herds we are providing community-based veterinary services, vaccinations and training to improve the health of their animals, which is benefitting more than 10,000 people. We have also constructed new water sources which are providing more than 1,000 people with clean drinking water. However, the needs in Ethiopia are vast and people in these regions desperately need access to food and clean water, as well as assistance for those who are malnourished. With your help, we can do even more. Conclusion: The Islamic Relief have seen working in East Africa by assisting people affected by drought, conflict, and food shortages. They also providing the emergency food and nutritional support, constructed new water system, and open a health care for medical treatment and care for people in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Lastly, Malaysia should increase the number of non-government organization as it will show our civilized country and helping the African people especially with the medical and food assistance as we live in world community. Sources: http://www.irm.org.my/portal/ir-malaysia Posted by: Intan

Malaysia's contribution to Africa through SIBEXLINK

Even though Africa is quite far from Malaysia, we still try our best in helping a countries that needed help in helping to raise the country to become a developing countries. Other than assisting in medical assistance as Hazie have shared with us, Malaysia try to contribute in other aspects.
The contributions that Malaysia’s government have done in helping African countries is by investing telecommunications, hotel, banking and real estate sectors. This is also a chance for Malaysia to seek business and investment partners outside our traditional partner to enhance our country capabilities and to diversified our economy. Below, was one of the article that showed Malaysia’s effort in helping the African countries


Trade between Malaysia and Africa up over last 5 years

KUALA LUMPUR - Trade and investments between Malaysia and Africa have shown encouraging results over the last five years, said Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Kerk Choo Ting.

He said trade between Malaysia and Africa rose from RM881 million (U.S.$1=RM3.80) in 1993 to RM4.65 billion last year. ''Investments from Malaysia to Africa had increased from RM12 million in 1992 to RM115 million in 1996,'' he said here Tuesday at the opening of the four-day UNCTAD Asia-Africa business networking forum on trade and investment diversification.

The forum, which is financed by the Japanese government, consisted of more than 25 entrepreneurs from 10 sub-Saharan African countries. It was aimed at facilitating trade and investments between South Asia and sub-Sahara Africa by providing opportunities for companies to network directly with their counterparts as well as establishing new business contacts and promoting networking among entrepreneurs from the two regions.

Kerk said that in 1997 Malaysia's investments in South Africa amounted to RM133 million while the main exports to Africa were palm oil, palm stearin, vegetable oils and fats, plastic products, civil engineering and contractors' equipment.


Meanwhile, Masafumi Kuroki from the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia said Japan is determined to continue supporting Asian countries in their respective economic recovery and economic structural reforms. Kuroki said that, following up the establishment of the Asia-Africa Investment Information Center last October, the Japanese Government is planning to set up such a center in Malaysia within the framework of South-South cooperation in a joint effort with the South Investment Business Exchange Link (SIBEXLINK).

''It is aimed at supporting activities related to investment and technology promotion and providing Asian countries with African investments and technology-transfer related information,'' he said. ''No doubt, Malaysia is best placed to promote Asia-Africa cooperation."


Source : http://www.atimes.com/se-asia/AC03Ae03.html (Asia Pulse/Bernama)

Sudan’s Darfur our worst crisis: Mercy Malaysia

An article to share. MERCY Malaysia is putting an effort into reaching its goal to find sponsors to fund the medical assistance and support the administration for Sudan relief work.

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 (Bernama) — Malaysian Medical Relief Society (Mercy Malaysia) president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood has described the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, as the worst crisis the non-profit organisation has had to deal with in its medical relief work around the world.

She said the situation was worsened by the area’s almost complete lack of basic amenities coupled by Mercy’s limited budget.

This however has not prompted Mercy to stop its relief work. In fact, she said, several of its volunteers quit their jobs in order to join Mercy’s work in Sudan.

"The volunteers say they can find a job anytime," she said in her address at a ceremony to mark the presentation of a RM300,000 contribution from the government to Mercy Malaysia’s Appeal for Darfur, Sudan Programme. The cheque was presented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to Dr Jemilah at Wisma Putra.

"It is to show the interest of the government to help in humanitarian work," he said.

Dr Jemilah, when interviewed, said Mercy’s focus was on health as it encompassed food, nutrition and shelter - all necessary to improve the condition of the displaced Sudanese.

"Our main focus has always been on women and children. Now it is always a challenge because the big non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are there and they have big money and big projects.

"So we have to see what we can utilise the money for in a way that is beneficial for the people there and yet is within our budget constraints," she said.

The refugee camps house some 1.2 million internally displaced persons, 88 per cent of whom are without shelter and 75 percent are children and women.

Dr Jemilah said Mercy would start a nutritional programme for children on Dec 1, and a maternal and child development centre capable of accommodating 1,000 children has been built in Kerinding 2 camp.

"What we are going to do is to use that as a base for us to get the children to come in and get proper nutrition and screen them for malnutrition and so forth, so that they get enough food," she said."

source: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article6352

by Hazie Kan <3

Question 3 - To Discuss The Malaysian Contribution Towards The Human Rights Issues In Africa

The Malaysian government is aiming to achieve as a fully developed country by 2020 as expressed in Wawasan 2020. One of the aspects that has been emphasized through decades after its declaration by the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir on 28 February 1991 is the human rights among its nation. In able to have the effect into promoting the awareness of upholding human rights, every Malaysian citizen has to clarify doubts about their own rights. This includes the right to vote freely, freedom of religion, equality of religion, independence of the legal system, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, freedom from discrimination, et cetera. Governmental and non-governmental organizations have been pursuing their roles in highlighting issues of human rights violation and fighting for the justice and peace.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) was established by Parliament under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, Act 597. The Act was gazetted on 9 September 1999. The inaugural meeting of SUHAKAM was held on 24 April 2000.

The initiative to set up a national human rights institution in Malaysia began with Malaysia's active participation in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) in 1993-95 when it was elected as a member of the Commission by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Malaysia was honored in 1995 with the election of the leader of the delegation, Tan Sri Dato' Musa bin Hitam, as the Chairman of the 52nd session of the UNCHR. Malaysia was elected to serve a second term in the UNCHR from 1996-98 and its third term from 2001-2003.

Section 2 of this Act defines "human rights" as referring to the "fundamental liberties as enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution".

The functions of SUHAKAM as set out in Section 4(1) are:

• To promote awareness of and provide education relating to human rights;
• To advise and assist Government in formulating legislation and procedures and recommend the necessary measures to be taken;
• To recommend to the Government with regard to subscription or accession of treaties and other international instruments in the field of human rights;
• To inquire into complaints regarding infringements of human rights.

Furthermore, section 4(4) of the Act provides that regard shall be had to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR) to the extent that is not inconsistent with the Federal Constitution. This means that whatever rights and liberties not mentioned in Part II but referred to in the UDHR must be considered provided that there is no conflict with the Constitution.

The function of inquiring into complaints about human rights infringements is subject to the conditions imposed by section 12 of the Act. Section 12 empowers SUHAKAM to act on its own motion to inquire into allegations of infringement of human rights, in addition to acting on complaints submitted to it. SUHAKAM, however, may not investigate complaints which are the subject matter of proceedings pending in a court of law or which have been finally decided by any court. Such investigations have to cease if the matter being investigated is brought before the courts.

Power

The Act provides SUHAKAM with powers to enable it to discharge its functions effectively. Under section 4(2), the Commission is empowered to do the following:

• To undertake research by conducting programs, seminars and workshops and to disseminate and distribute the results of such research;
• To advise the Government and/or relevant authorities of complaints against them and to recommend appropriate measures to be taken;
• To study and verify any infringement of human rights;
• To visit places of detention in accordance with procedures as prescribed by laws relating to the places of detention and to make necessary recommendations;
• To issue public statements on human rights as and when necessary to undertake appropriate activities as are necessary.

Other than that, non-governmental organisations such as Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), National Human Rights Society (HAKAM) and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) reflect how the Malaysian citizens initiate their mission into expending the knowledge of human rights among the society.

Despite the awareness, not every citizens in Malaysia understands the needs to pursue this goal (ignorance).

Back to the main agenda of this post, MERCY is likely to be the best example. MERCY, a Malaysian Medical Relief Society is a volunteer relief organization with the objective to provide medical and humanitarian services at home and abroad.

by Hazie Kan <3

Conclusion on Second Question

In a nutshell, we can see that the level of human rights implements in Africa are very low and have been ignored. As Munirah written in her post, she mentioned about three major problems that faced by African region that show the level of human rights such as deprivation from food like the case of Zimbabwe people that had no access to their food stocks, land, and other forms of livelihood. Then, when we discussed about insecurities, Kenya and Zimbabwe lost their homes and only depend on humanitarian assistance. Women and children have been the sexual violence victims and there was also an attack toward the humanitarian workers. And lastly, Munirah mentioned about exclusion that show major groups in African face discrimination and exclusion from protection. In addition, Intan had discussed about the Sudan conflict situation as to give a clear view in the context of insecurities and exclusion from protection problem. There have been conflict happen between the North and South Sudan government that increase the civilian threat and ethnic conflict until 2009. By the way, Hazie Kan highlighted about political ploy that sets to strength the position of ruler and lead to exploitation. Furthermore, Shikin had written about the Diary of Africa's human rights implemention. Domestic politic conflicts happened in certain countries such as Kenya and Uganda which is the rules of military coup but there was changes in Africa's conflicts like changes from apartheid to democracy system in South Africa after received international society and domestic resistance pressure.

Last but not least, we can still see lacking of human rights implemented in African region. Human rights abuses such as genocide killing and ethnic conflict still happen in certain places such as Rwanda and Sudan. In 2009,22 of 24 nations identified as having "Low Human Development" on the United Nations' (UN) Human Development Index were located in Sub-Saharan African. The African Union as an international institution should play their role effectively by organize more discussion forum among the African countries leaders in order to reduce the critical situation happen in African region.

Posted by: Intan

Diary of Africa's Human Rights Implementation

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) "set up a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations" and continues to said that "might well become an international Magna Carta of all mankind". What means here is that the Declaration is one set of basic principles or rules or could be best define as an international norms on human rights. As clear as the objectives were, it is to make sure that all nations in this universal follow the norms and set up a high degree of human rights implementation in thier respective nations. As we all know, norms regard to things that normally accepted in the society and therefore it is only right that all people practice these norms.

Eventually this is not the case in Africa. As we have discussed ealier in our blog, the human rights condition in Africa is not at a good level eventhough the idea of Declaration is not new to them. Unstabilized domestic politics have been the main cause but with the changes from apartheid system to democratic in most of African nations had brings hope to their people. Many local and international NGOs are working with African local governments to promote human rights and helping Africa to be a better place to live. Africa's problem should be make as the world's problem too as it will affect the rest of us sooner or later.

In Kenya and Uganda where civil wars were ongoing basic, the problem first appeared as early as 1970s after Idi Amin, a hardcore dictator had formed a successful military coup. Since then, the living condition becomes worse and added with civil wars until early 1986, it is almost impossible to upright the Declaration. Only after the first multi-party election in 1992, the situation had changed a bit. NGOs were moving despite threats from the regimes and through 1995 and 1996 there had been several killings on the members of NGO.

While in South Africa, the changes only comes in 1994 after the political changed from apartheid to democratic. Pressure from the international society and domestic resistence had make the ruler shifting their rules, norms and political ideology. Problems arised between 1976 - 1977, changing process were developed in 1980s and the transation only begun in 1990 - 1994. It was quite late but then again it is still a big relief to everyone.

Resource: The Power of Human Rights: International Norms and Domestic Change. Edited by Thomas Rosse, Stephen C. Ropp, Kathryn Sikkink. 1999. UK. Cambridge University Press.

Political Ploy?

The problems faced by the Africans are seem to be unsolved until today. What Munira and Intan have discussed earlier, i believe that food deprivation happens due to the exploitation towards local economic sources by some major powers for sake of their own interests (corruption etc.), hence causing poverty among the local Africans for lack of economic support on food, living and health. This was due to the political ploy that sets to strengthen the position of the ruler by involving into such exploitation, just like how it happened during the early gold mining era. Unfair diversion among poor and the super-rich is increasing its gap. Like instance, Nigeria is the second poorest country in the world, with less than 0.01% of the overall worldwide wealth. Even the local polices and political parties are institutions perceived as the most corrupt. In 2009, 22 of 24 nations identified as having "Low Human Development" on the United Nations' (UN) Human Development Index were located in Sub-Saharan African.

Insecurities that evolved in Africa has been a major challenge. Military ruling has created a bitter impact towards the society, intruding the human rights and proclaiming their authority. Since the 1950s, many nations in Africa have suffered civil wars and ethnic strife, thus generating a massive number of refugees of many different nationalities and ethnic groups. An estimated 2.5 million people, roughly one-third the population of the Darfur area, have been forced to flee their homes after attacks by Janjaweed Arab militia backed by Sudanese troops during the ongoing Darfur conflict in western Sudan since roughly 2003.

However, the awareness towards the importance of education and the fight for human rights have been developed among the nations. Several activists play its role in proclaiming the rights of the nations from being discriminated in any harmful forms. The African Union (AU) is a supranational union consisting of fifty-three African states. Established in 2001, the AU's purpose is to help secure Africa's democracy, human rights, and a sustainable economy, especially by bringing an end to intra-African conflict and creating an effective common market. The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights is the region's principal human rights instrument and emerged under the aegis of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (since replaced by the African Union). The intention to draw up the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights was announced in 1979 and the Charter was unanimously approved at the OAU's 1981 Assembly. Later, special mechanisms have been emphasized on issues about prisons, women, freedom of expression, defenders, refugees and displacement, et cetera.

Pursuant to its Article 63 (whereby it was to "come into force three months after the reception by the Secretary General of the instruments of ratification or adherence of a simple majority" of the OAU's member states), the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights came into effect on 21 October 1986 – in honor of which 21st of October was declared "African Human Rights Day".



sources:
http://www.achpr.org/english/_info/news_en.html
http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/index/index.htm

by Hazie Kan <3