Human rights are universal and must not be based on religion

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The human rights commission of Malaysia, Suhakam, reaffirms that human rights are universal and inalienable and must not be predicated upon religious beliefs or affiliations.

This principle is enshrined in international human rights instruments, which unequivocally state that all individuals are entitled to the same fundamental rights and freedoms, regardless of their religion or belief.

Recent statements by US officials asserting a ‘biblical right’ to certain territories are concerning, as they risk undermining the universality of human rights and may perpetuate discrimination.

Last Tuesday, at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US ambassador to the UN Elise Stefanik expressed the belief that Israel has “biblical” dominion over the occupied West Bank.

Such assertions can lead to policies that discriminate against individuals based on their religious identity, contravening established international human rights standards.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims in Article 1 that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

Article 2 further emphasises that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the declaration, without distinction of any kind, including religion.

Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees the right to self-determination and protection from discrimination, reinforcing that no state or individual should invoke religious doctrine to deny these rights to others.

Suhakam is deeply concerned about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including recent military operations resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure.

Therefore, Suhakam urges the international community to intensify efforts towards a just and sustainable peace in the region, addressing the root causes of the conflict without bias or discrimination. This includes recognising the rights of all peoples to self-determination and ensuring that policies are grounded in universal human rights principles rather than religious narratives.

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Suhakam supports the ceasefire agreement in Gaza as a crucial step towards solving the crisis and protecting civilian lives.

The international community must not allow the ceasefire to overshadow the need for comprehensive action towards ending the occupation, restoring the rights of the Palestinian people and holding accountable those responsible for crimes against humanity. – Suhakam

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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