APRIL 7 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) condemns in the strongest terms the brutal chemical weapons attack in the Idlib Province in Syria on April 4, 2017, which has led to the deaths of at least 72 people, including infants, children and women, and injuries to many more. Such atrocities in Syria continue with impunity and Suhakam regrets that the United Nations has been unsuccessful in adequately addressing the matter.

These atrocities do not sit well with our own values and Suhakam believes Malaysians are equally as troubled as we are about the critical humanitarian and human rights situation in Syria. Suhakam wishes to remind the Government of its commitment to accept 3,000 Syrian refugees to help alleviate the refugee crisis in the Middle East. As difficult and complex as our challenges may be, the necessity to assist has never been greater in regard to the ongoing catastrophe, and Malaysia is morally compelled to provide humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and displaced persons. Such assistance should be mobilised urgently and delivered without delay in view of the deteriorating situation in Syria.

Suhakam reiterates that there is an inescapable need for Malaysia to accede to the United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees if we are to be serious in our efforts.

Tan Sri Razali Ismail

Chairman

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.