Report to the 88th Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
The report examines Malaysia's compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women concerning the death penalty. It highlights several areas where Malaysia falls short of its obligations under the Convention:
Lack of consideration of gender-specific factors in criminal proceedings and inadequate conditions for women in detention.
Recommendations are provided to address these shortcomings, including ensuring fair access to legal counsel, improving detention conditions, establishing transparent pardon procedures, and publishing detailed information on death penalty usage.
Key developments in Malaysia's death penalty policies are outlined, including the abolition of mandatory death sentences and the introduction of sentencing discretion. However, concerns remain about the retention of the death penalty for certain offenses and the disparity in its application.
The report also discusses challenges faced by women on death row, such as limited access to legal representation, inadequate healthcare, and period poverty. Recommendations are offered to address these issues, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in the criminal justice system and healthcare provision.
Overall, the report underscores the importance of aligning Malaysia's death penalty practices with international human rights standards and gender equality principles.
Full report accessible at Link
