Suhakam calls for femicide to be recognised in law, tougher action on gender-based violence

KUALA LUMPUR, October 20 — The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called on the government to acknowledge femicide in Malaysia's legal system. The commission describes femicide as the most severe type of gender-based violence inflicted on women and girls. They explain that femicide transcends individual criminal acts, embodying larger issues of discrimination, gender inequality, and failures in preventing and combating violence against women and girls.

Suhakam sees femicide as an "avoidable human rights offense necessitating more robust legislation, early intervention, accessible protection mechanisms, and unified action." They emphasize that identifying femicide's gender-specific nature is crucial for understanding its root causes, pinpointing risks, and enhancing prevention, protection, and accountability measures.

The commission's recommendation comes after a briefing with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development, chaired by Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin.

To curb femicide, Suhakam suggests reviewing current laws to specifically recognize femicide as a unique form of gender-based violence. They also propose establishing a national body to oversee and track efforts against this violence at federal, state, and local levels, supported by improved data collection. Moreover, Suhakam urges for safer cities and communities via improved street lighting, safer public transportation, accessible reporting systems, and secure schools.

They advocate for media outlets and digital platforms to reduce victim-blaming and content that legitimizes gender-based violence.

Suhakam underscores the government's obligation to eradicate discrimination against women, as stipulated in Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution and Malaysia's commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). On the International Day of the Girl Child, the commission stressed that every woman and girl has the right to live without violence or fear, and safeguarding this right is a collective responsibility of both the government and society.