Case Study: Malaysia and SUHAKAM: UNCT Engagement

Overall context (2009):

UNDP Malaysia has no United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and funding is through NEX execution. There is no direct support to NGOs.

UNCT: UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR, and WHO Areas of UNDP focus are:

• Poverty, Gender, Energy, Environment, HIV/AIDS
• Governance: One Initiative on Governance (2003-2007) – Capacity Building on Anti-Corruption
• CPD: No mention of Governance (2008-2012)

Strategic Directions (2009-2012)

• Global Economic and Financial Crisis
• Socio-Economic Challenges and Existing Inequalities
• Environmental Management and National Energy Security
• Gender Empowerment and Good Governance
• South-South Cooperation Initiatives for Development

With no substantive support for engagement with SUHAKAM, the NHRI, the following steps were taken to provide a coherent and consistent platform within the UNCT:

Establishment of UNCT Theme Group on Human Rights and Development

One Coherent Face to NHRI via Resident Coordinator – Joint Meeting of UNCT Heads with NHRI (June 2009).

Initiatives to ensure UN Unified Approach

• Mapping Exercise of support of Agencies to NHRI
• Mapping and identification of relevant Community Service Organizations (CSOs)
• Sharing of Proposals Received and Activities for 2009
• Development of a UNCT Workplan on Human rights and Development
• Link to UNCT Gender Empowerment Workplan
• Agenda on UNCT Meeting

Technical Support: BDP, RCB, OHCHR (Bangkok) and Regional Institution (Asia Pacific Forum)

Coordination with Donors: European Union, Embassies

Universal Periodic Review: Follow up at UNCT, as well as with CSOs and government.-

- Based on information provided by: Mr. James Chacko, Assistant Resident Representative (Programme), UNDP Malaysia. 2009.