Statement by the Spokesperson on the public caning of two women in Malaysia

Two women were caned on 3 September in the Sharia High Court in the State of Terengganu, for allegedly attempting to have same-sex relations. This constitutes a breach of their human rights and a form of torture.

The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons are protected under existing international human rights law and relevant international conventions without discrimination.

Caning - a form of corporal punishment - is a cruel, inhumane and degrading practice. The public nature of the punishment has been a further humiliating and degrading factor for the two women. 

The human rights of LGBTI persons need to be guaranteed and protected according to Malaysia's international obligations. In this context, we welcome the statement by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on 5 September on behalf of Malaysia’s Cabinet.