Speaking at the 2024 Human Rights Day Forum here, Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus described the UNGPs as a crucial framework that could bridge the gaps between corporate growth and human rights.

He said the UNGPs rest on three pillars: the government’s duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect these rights, and the necessity of effective remedies for violations.

Hishamudin said while businesses hold immense potential for driving positive change in the economy, they also carry a profound responsibility to ensure that their growth and operations do not come at the cost of human dignity.

“Fundamental violations of human rights such as forced labour, exploitation of migrant populations, and human trafficking are grave concerns that cannot be addressed by governments alone,” he said during the forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“They also require the active and committed participation of the business community.”

He stressed the need for Malaysian businesses to go beyond lip service and urged them to embed the UNGPs in their governance structures and operational practices.

Hishamudin also said Suhakam is actively engaging stakeholders – from multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises – to instill the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and sustainability in Malaysia’s corporate DNA.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said, who was also at the forum, announced the impending launch of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

The minister confirmed that a draft of the plan would be ready by next month, describing it as a “significant step forward” in balancing Malaysia’s economic ambitions with its human rights obligations.

Azalina said the plan would 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.