The National Training and Study Session for Human Rights Defenders in Kuala Lumpur from 26-28 September concluded with stronger solidarity actions between the 40-odd members of non-governmental organizations who participated in the training. On the last day of the event, participants strategised towards future engagement with the available international mechanisms available in the United Nations Human Rights Council. The training was co-organised by FORUM-ASIA and its member organisation SUARAM (Suara Rakyat Malaysia).The National Training and Study Session for Human Rights Defenders, held in Kuala Lumpur from 26-28 September, concluded with stronger solidarity actions between the 40-odd members of non-governmental organisations who participated, while strategising for future engagement with the international mechanisms available in the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Co-organised by FORUM-ASIA and its member in Malaysia – SUARAM (Suara Rakyat Malaysia) – the training held several participatory sessions to demystify the jargons and concepts prevalent in the United Nations Human Rights Council, making it meaningful for local NGOs and civil society.

Apart from clarifying the international and regional instruments available for NGOs to enhance their on-going work in the human rights field, several sessions were planned to strengthen the solidarity network between NGOs present, and thus furthering the cause of human rights in a more concerted effort.

It was revealed that Malaysia, despite being selected into the UN human rights council for three consecutive years, had only ratified two conventions thus far. Therefore, participants discussed ways in which to pressure the government to consider ratifying more conventions.

At the end of the three-day session, participants drew up an action plan to work together on several issues such as rights to education, right to mother tongue language, assessment of economic, social and cultural rights, child rights, migrant workers rights and land rights.

SUARAM was appointed the coordinator for the Child Rights Commission shadow report.