KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called on the authorities to immediately cease all ongoing eviction operations in Semporna, asserting that these actions undermine fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to adequate housing and livelihood.
In a statement today, Suhakam highlighted that previous evictions carried out by local authorities in Sabah were conducted without proper dialogue or engagement with the affected communities, effectively denying them the right to participate in decisions that directly impact their lives and livelihoods.
The commission pointed to eviction and demolition activities in June, which prompted them to launch a fact-finding mission to Semporna on July 17 and 18. Their findings were both alarming and critical: the eviction and relocation processes have been executed in an inhumane manner, without adequate consultation with the affected communities, particularly the indigenous Bajau Laut people.
“The Bajau Laut live primarily at sea and traditionally built their houses on stilts above water. Their culture and livelihood are tied to the sea.
“A significant number of the Bajau Laut are illiterate, uneducated, and impoverished, due to their nomadic seafaring lifestyle. They are a marginalised community. They do not deserve to be treated the way they are now being treated by the authorities,” they said.
The commission emphasised that the ongoing evictions have led to severe consequences for the Bajau Laut community, including displacement from their homes and significant disruption to their livelihoods.
“Such actions, taken without meaningful consultation, not only disregard the voices of those most affected but also violate the fundamental principles of transparency and respect for human rights and the rights of Indigenous people,” it said.
In response, Suhakam has advocated for the formation of a dedicated committee comprising community representatives, government officials, and other key stakeholders. This committee would be tasked with developing a fair and sustainable long-term solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of the affected communities while addressing the broader needs of the region and the nation.
Suhakam insisted that the committee must be established without delay, and expressed their willingness to actively participate as a member.
Furthermore, Suhakam reminded the authorities that Malaysia had previously voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Undrip) at both the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, without reservations.
Undrip contains extensive provisions for the recognition and protection of Indigenous lands, territories, and resources. While it is non-binding, Suhakam stressed that there remains a moral obligation and a genuine expectation for the Malaysian government to adhere to the standards set out in the declaration.
“Suhakam remains committed to supporting a resolution that not only upholds the human rights of the Bajau Laut and other affected communities in Malaysia but also ensures that future actions in the region are guided by principles of fairness, respect, and inclusivity,” they added.
Earlier today, Scoop reported that a local in Semporna claimed that enforcement personnel from Sabah Parks had evicted and demolished houses on Pulau Bodgaya, affecting both locals and the Bajau Laut community.
Scoop is currently seeking confirmation from Sabah Parks regarding the matter. – August 14, 2024
