IOM hosted a Validation Workshop for the Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR) Initiative in Malaysia aiming to gather feedback from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Photo by IOM Malaysia.  

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - On 5th April, 2024, IOM Malaysia conducted a Validation Workshop for the IOM's Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR) Initiative in Malaysia convening key civil society organizations invested in the areas of labour migration. The objective of the workshop was to ensure that the MBHR initiative and its activities are tailored and firmly anchored in the current context of Malaysia. Through interactive discussions and presentations, participants had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback, share insights, and identify areas for improvement.

During the workshop, IOM sought feedback and recommendations from participants to understand and identify potential gaps, challenges, and risks associated with the activities, and to map out opportunities for further collaboration. Key highlights of the workshop included:

• Open dialogue: Participants engaged in candid and constructive conversations, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
• Stakeholder mapping: Through collaborative exercises, stakeholders identified potential opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
• Feedback and recommendations: Civil society representatives provided valuable feedback and recommendations to strengthen the MBHR initiative in Malaysia
• Identification of areas for improvement: The workshop facilitated the identification of areas for improvement in current programme activities, ensuring continuous progress and adaptation.

Reflecting on the discussion of the workshop, Mattias Carlson, Programme Coordinator at IOM Malaysia, stated, "We are happy to see the enthusiastic participation and constructive engagement from all stakeholders during the workshop. The insights and recommendations gathered will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the MBHR Initiative in Malaysia and building partnerships for the future."

The workshop was important to help further shape IOM’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive migration governance, responsible business practices, and strengthened human rights protection for migrant workers in Malaysia. Moving forward, IOM Malaysia remains committed to working closely with civil society partners and other stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing migrants and promote migrant-friendly labour mobility systems and sustainable socio-economic development, ensuring no one is left behind.

For more information, please contact Amanda Ng Seang Wei at sng@iom.int. 

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The Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR) Programme in Asia is a five-year regional programme and is funded by the European Union and Sweden. The programme will run from 2024-2028 across Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.