Suhakam Wants Continuous Commitment, Efforts To End Violence Against Women, Children

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants continuous commitment and efforts to end violence against women and girls. Its chairman, Hasmy Agam said there should also be efforts to ensure that women and girls enjoyed economic and social equality. He stressed that efforts to stop all forms of violence against women and girls was a priority with Suhakam, in line with national efforts towards human rights to prevent, punish and condemn discrimination against women. "Violence against women not only violates human rights, but can also be said to be the basis for gender-based discrimination. "The violence comes in various forms and is not confined to any country, culture, race, religion or group," he said in a statement to commemorate International Day to End Violence Against Women here Tuesday. Hasmy said although there had been progress made in women's issues in the country, there was still concern about violence. However, he said, to prevent it, Malaysia had introduced the Code of Practice on the Prevention and Eradication of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (1995) under the Human Resources Ministry. In addition, the Domestic Violence Act (1994) also provided for action to be taken against perpetrators, he added. -- BERNAMA