NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS EXPECTED TO BE LAUNCHED IN 2025 - AZALINA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR) is slated for launch in January next year, marking a significant advancement towards integration of human rights consideration within national business practices, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Azalina said the NAP-BHR aims to align businesses with international human rights standards while fostering collaboration among state and non-state actors.

"This plan will help businesses align with international human rights standards, guide businesses of all sizes in incorporating human rights due diligence, and address any harm that arises. The 'zero draft' is expected to be ready by January 2025," she said during her address at the Human Rights Day Forum 2024 here today.

She also noted the release of the National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights (NBA) by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU, JPM) in August 2024.

The NBA provides a comprehensive overview of Malaysia's human rights landscape, identifying gaps and challenges while outlining actionable recommendations for improvement, she added.

Azalina said the NBA focuses on critical areas such as environmental impact, labour rights and governance, aligning Malaysia's framework with global standards, particularly the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

She also announced plans to appoint additional children’s commissioners for East and West Malaysia to work alongside the Chief Children’s Commissioner.

"The Office of the Children's Commissioner has been made a full-time position to provide a more focused approach to addressing children’s issues," she said.

Additionally, she said the government is developing a Freedom of Information (FOI) law, set to be tabled in Parliament by mid-2025.

"This legislation aims to strengthen democracy, improve access to information, empower citizens and build trust in government," she explained.

As a reform by the Cabinet in replacing the existing Legal Aid Act 1971, Azalina announced the integration of Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK) into the Legal Aid Department (JBG) and the establishment of the Public Defence Division. 

"Access to justice is fundamental to the protection of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Guided by this principle, the MADANI Government has taken steps to enhance access by funding legal representation for eligible individuals in criminal and civil cases," she said. 

These reforms, Azalina added, reflect the government's unwavering commitment to human rights and justice in Malaysia. 

-- BERNAMA