The Malaysian Bar - HRC writes new chapter, adopts Blueprint

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HRC writes new chapter, adopts Blueprint

Contributed by Edmund Bon Tai Soon

Thursday, 16 August 2007 09:20pm

Edmund Bon After the inaugural meeting for the new term on 25 April and the second meeting on 11 May 2007, the Human Rights Committee (HRC) unanimously established 6 key components to carry out the human rights work of the Bar:

• Policy & Law Reform Working Group (PLRWG) chaired by Zarizana Bt Abd Aziz

• Advocacy & Public Relations Working Group (APRWG) chaired by Andrew Khoo

• Education & Training Working Group (ETWG) chaired by Zarizana Bt Abd Aziz

• Complaints & Interventions Strike-Force (CISF) chaired by Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad

• Publications Working Group (PWG) chaired by Brendan Navin Siva

• The Orang Asli Project (OAP) chaired by Augustine Anthony

With a record number of more than 30 members in attendance - most of whom are joining the Committee for the first time - there is an encouraging show of renewed interest in the work of the Committee.

There is much work to be done and already, the OAP held its first sub-meeting on 10 May with stake-holders and interested parties, whilst the PLRWG’s first sub-meeting was held on 18 May. The CISF is due to hold its first sub-meeting on 31 May.

In an unprecedented move, ‘A Blueprint for Human Rights’ containing the terms of reference and areas of focus for the term has been adopted by the HRC.

Further, a fresh attempt to strengthen the effectiveness of State Bar mechanisms in terms of human rights work is being made. A representative from each State Bar Committee has been invited to serve on the Committee. Their roles are crucial in the ETWG and the CISF.

Whilst the tasks before the Committee are enormous with numerous complaints piling up at the Council Secretariat, the Committee seeks the support and co-operation of members who wish to assist and serve either on an ad-hoc or permanent basis, particularly with undertaking cases under the CISF and OAP. Please send an email to rezib@malaysianbar.org.my indicating your details and interest as soon as possible.