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

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the government to recognise femicide in the country’s legal framework. It described femicide as the most extreme form of gender-based violence against women and girls.

“Such violence extends beyond individual acts of criminal conduct and reflects broader patterns of discrimination, gender inequality and shortcomings in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls,” it said in a statement today.

The commission described femicide as “a preventable human rights violation requiring stronger laws, early intervention, accessible protection mechanisms and coordinated action”.

“Recognising their gender-related nature is essential to understanding the underlying causes, identifying risks and strengthening prevention, protection and accountability measures,” it said.

The call follows a briefing on October 15 by Suhakam commissioner Melissa Mohd Akhir to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development.

The committee is chaired by Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin.

Suhakam said “preventing femicide requires action before violence escalates into the loss of life”.

It called for existing laws to be reviewed so femicide is recognised as a distinct form of gender-based violence. It also asked for a national body to coordinate and monitor efforts against such violence at federal, state and local levels, backed by better data collection.

It also urged safer cities and communities through better street lighting, safer public transport, accessible reporting mechanisms and secure schools. It asked media organisations and digital platforms to curb victim-blaming and content that normalises gender-based violence.

The commission said sufficient funding was needed for shelters, psychosocial services, legal aid and women’s organisations, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Citing Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution and Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), Suhakam said the government must pursue a policy of eliminating discrimination against women without delay.

Marking the International Day of the Girl Child this month, the commission said “every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and fear, and that safeguarding this right is a shared responsibility of the government and society”.