COMMENT | Let's support M'sia in seeking spot on UN Human Rights Council

COMMENT | Malaysia is running for a spot in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term.

The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system established in 2006 which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights across the globe.

Its mission is also to address situations of human rights violations and formulate recommendations on them. It is a world forum to discuss all human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.

Human rights focus mainly on the right to live, the right to education or the right to adopt the religion of one's own choice. Over the years, these are the basic tenets of human rights across the world.

However, in several western countries, human rights are extended to enabling same-sex marriages, as well as legalising LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender).

Notwithstanding, the definition of human rights must also take into consideration several factors including cultural, historical as well as religious factors. A mere conscious is not enough. It has to be documented...