Malaysia registers abstention vote on Russia’s Human Rights Council membership suspension

NHT REPORT
ISLAMABAD, April 11: On 7 April 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (GA), during the resumed 11th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, adopted a resolution to suspend Russia’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). During the voting, 93 Member States voted in favour, 24 voted against, and 58 abstained, while 18 Member States did not vote on the resolution. Malaysia also took part in the voting process and registered its abstention vote. In its statement after the vote, Malaysia stressed that a critical decisions such as the suspension of a HRC member should not be made in haste and must be accorded its due processes. Malaysia also believes that the Commission of Inquiry, established by the HRC in March 2022, must be allowed time to carry out investigations and present its findings first, as to verify allegation of any gross and systemic violations of human rights and breach of humanitarian law happening in conflict areas. As a HRC member, Malaysia reiterates its principled position against any politicisation of issues at the Council. The situation in the conflict areas in Ukraine is a call for grave concern. Malaysia continues to closely monitor developments, including the human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground.