Stateless issue in Sabah: Suhakam renews MoU with its counterparts in Indonesia and Philippines

KOTA KINABALU: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to find a long-term solution to the stateless issue in Sabah between Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and its Indonesian and Philippine counterparts, has been renewed for another five years.

The document inked at a ceremony in Semporna on Thursday (Sept 7) with Indonesian Human Rights National Commission (Komnas HAM) and Commission on Human Rights Philippines (CHRP), is for the term 2023 to 2028, according to a statement from Suhakam.

Suhakam commissioner (Sabah) Datuk Hajah Mariati Robert signed on behalf of the Commission, while Komnas HAM chief Dr Atnike Nova Sigiro and CHRP commissioner Beda Angeles Epres represented their institutions.

“The first MoU was signed between Suhakam and Komnas HAM back in April 2019, with CHRP as an official observer.

“It was then renewed twice with extension up to December 2022, with official participation from all three parties.

“Various initiatives have been implemented during that period, including meetings at the highest levels with the Sabah Chief Minister and related government agencies, joint press statements, online dialogues and a visit to a transit point for individuals who lost their place of living in the Philippines.

“The renewal of this MoU for a five-year period reflects the commitment of all parties to strengthen the existing cooperation by collaborating with the government and key stakeholders in finding solid solutions towards bettering the situation of the basic human rights of the stateless people, and those at risk of becoming stateless in Sabah,” said Suhakam in the statement.

All three parties had agreed to focus on increasing awareness due to misperception of the public towards the stateless in Sabah.

“Regardless of their status, those without documents, citizenship and those at risk of becoming stateless faced the same experience.

“This includes denial of access to basic rights such as healthcare, education and being able to find employment.

“This usually led them to being exposed as targets for human trafficking, exploitation, harassment and forced labour.

“Suhakam hopes that the MoU will become a platform for all relevant parties to discuss challenging issues openly, thus increasing the awareness of the public.

“The aim is to improve the situation of stateless people and those at risk, and find long-term solutions to this long withstanding issue,” added Suhakam.

As a sideline programme to the MoU signing, representatives from the three Commissions are also slated to visit the communities in Pulau Omadal and Pulau Mabul in Semporna, so they can assess the situation on the ground.

“Suhakam would also like to thank the Semporna district office, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and the police for the assistance in handling this visit,” the Commission added.