Suhakam calls for immediate suspension of Bajau Laut evictions in Semporna
Published on: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
By: FMT
Suhakam carried out a fact-finding mission to Semporna, Sabah, after stilt houses belonging to the Bajau Laut community were torn down and allegedly torched.
PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the immediate suspension of all eviction operations and activities against the Bajau Laut community in Semporna after a recent fact-finding mission to the Sabah district.
More than 200 illegal stilt houses belonging to the community in Semporna were demolished in June, leading to the visit by Suhakan on July 17 and 18.
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In a statement today, Suhakam said the mission found that the evictions were conducted in an inhumane manner without adequate consultation with the affected communities.
"Suhakam urges the immediate suspension of all current eviction operations and activities in Semporna," it said.
These evictions, carried out without proper dialogue or engagement with the communities involved, undermine the basic human rights to adequate housing, livelihood and participation in decisions that affect their lives.
It said such evictions violate the fundamental principles of transparency, respect for human rights, and respect for the rights of indigenous people.
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Suhakam said a significant number of the Bajau Laut are illiterate, uneducated and impoverished because of their nomadic seafaring lifestyle.
"Be that as it may, they do not deserve to be treated the way they are now being treated by the authorities," it said.
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It reminded the authorities responsible for the evictions that Malaysia voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), both at the Human Rights Council and at the UN General Assembly.
UNDRIP contains extensive provisions for the recognition and protection of indigenous lands, territories and resources.
Although the UNDRIP is non-binding, it said, there is still a moral obligation and genuine expectation for the Malaysian government to pursue the standards as stipulated in the UNDRIP, which includes the right to housing.
Suhakam proposed the creation of a dedicated committee with community representatives, government officials, and stakeholders to find a fair and sustainable long-term solution.
It said the committee must be established immediately, addingt that Suhakam is prepared to actively take part as a member.
Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor previously said the state government will assist the stateless Bajau Laut seafaring nomads whose homes were demolished during the operation.
During an event on June 11, he defended the authorities’ decision to demolish the stilt houses located on seven islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, which he said was meant to uphold the state’s security and sovereignty.
Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew said the demolition was ordered because of security factors at the district level.
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