LETTER | Centhra to continue fighting for human rights, social justice

LETTER | As we celebrate our ninth anniversary on July 25, 2023, the Centre For Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) remains committed to our mission of pushing boundaries further in pursuit of human rights and social justice in this country.

We acknowledge that our journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated team, partners, volunteers, and well-wishers.

Together, we have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

However, we also recognise that much work still needs to be done.

Human rights challenges persist, and the journey towards a more just society demands continued dedication and collaboration.

We remain firm in upholding our struggles to continue fighting for fairness and justice in human rights and social justice.

On this occasion, as founder and chairman of Centhra, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.

Together, we will continue to strive for a world where every individual's dignity is respected and human rights are upheld without prejudice.

Over the past nine years, Centhra has been unwavering in its dedication to advancing the cause of human rights research and advocacy, both nationally and internationally.

Guided by our vision of a just and equitable world, we have tirelessly worked towards empowering vulnerable communities and promoting their rights in the face of adversity.

These are some of Centhra’s key accomplishments since its formation on July 15, 2014:

Impactful Research: Centhra has undertaken numerous research initiatives on various human rights issues, shedding light on critical areas that demand attention.

Through rigorous research, we have advocated for evidence-based policies and interventions to address pressing human rights challenges.

Our most recent submission of the 4th cycle of the universal periodic review stakeholder Report to the UN Human Rights Council is a testament to our continued engagement with one of the most important human rights mechanisms.

This is in regard to highlighting serious human rights violations in Malaysia.

Advocacy and Awareness: Centhra has been at the forefront of raising awareness about human rights violations and advocating for policy changes to protect the rights of marginalised groups.

We have collaborated with governments, civil society organisations and international bodies to amplify our commitment and effort.

Capacity-Building: Centhra has conducted workshops, training programs and seminars to empower individuals and organisations working in the human rights domain.

By enhancing their capacities, we aim to create a network of passionate advocates for human rights causes.

Legal Assistance: Through our legal aid initiatives, we have assisted and supported individuals and groups facing human rights abuses, ensuring access to justice and redressal.

We continue to enhance our advocacy work following our involvement with the Rome-based permanent people’s tribunal concluding session.

This involved proceedings on the Rohingyas, the Kachins, the Myanmar Muslims, and other groups in Myanmar at the University of Malaya Law School in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 18 to 22, 2017.

Our lawyers also continue to be actively involved with investigative work assisting the International Criminal Court’s office of the prosecutor in securing the rights of the Palestinians and the Rohingyas.

International Engagement: Centhra’s commitment to human rights extends beyond borders. We have actively engaged with international human rights mechanisms, contributing to global dialogues on human rights issues and advocating for a more inclusive and just world.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.