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THE International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 annually to encourage all states to promote and undertake, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities to eradicate poverty.
The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has observed that in Malaysia, the incidence of poverty persists among those who are economically and socially vulnerable, including daily wage workers, contract workers, single parents, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.
The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the lack of a comprehensive social protection system, has exacerbated the insecurity and vulnerability of these groups, and their inability to protect against interruption or loss of income due to the movement restrictions enforced during the health crisis.
It was reported that the number of poor households increased from 405,400 in 2019 to 639,800 last year. According to the Statistics Department, the true impact of the pandemic would be better evidenced by the Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey, which will be conducted next year.
In line with this year’s theme “Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet”, Suhakam calls on the government to adopt a human rights-based approach in its effort to eradicate poverty.
This should include the active participation of vulnerable communities in decisions that affect them, a government commitment to fulfil its obligations as duty-bearers, ensuring the principles of non-discrimination and equality are met, and empowering every individual to claim and exercise their rights.
The United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights in 2019 reported that there were at least 110 social support programmes spread across more than 20 ministries and agencies in Malaysia.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and eradicate extreme poverty through the National Recovery Plan and 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-25), it is crucial to note that a more coordinated strategy is needed to ensure all these plans can be delivered effectively.
Suhakam calls on all stakeholders to play their role towards the realisation and protection of the rights of vulnerable communities, and to ensure that they are able to enjoy, at the very least, the minimum standards of a dignified life set forth by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. – The Vibes, October 17, 2021
The Malaysian Human Rights Commission is an independent organisation that investigates complaints on the violation of human rights