Activist: Protect rights, resources of indigenous folks

BAU (Aug 10): The carbon trading industry should not affect the rights of the indigenous people in Malaysia and other countries across Southeast Asia.

According to Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) secretary-general Gam A Shimray, the issue should be addressed to protect not only the rights of indigenous people, but also their resources and way of life.

“Despite some progress in recognising the rights of indigenous people, certain countries have exploited their laws to easily take resources from their community.

“For example, Cambodia has a law that allows them to replace the term ‘indigenous’, or Orang Asal, to ‘local community’.

“In some countries, government persecution of those who fight for the rights of the indigenous people still continues,” he said.

Shimray’s text of speech was read by Pertubuhan Suara Anak Sabah president Adrian Banie Lasimbang at the national-level World Indigenous Peoples Day (PHOAS) celebration, hosted by the Sarawak indigenous community at Redeems Centre here yesterday.

Adding on, Shimray urged the international communities to do everything possible towards demonstrating solidarity, as well as promoting peace and justice within their own countries.

“We will keep progressing towards peace and justice as well as in protecting the land and environment for the benefit of all,” he said.

This year’s PHOAS celebration is themed ‘Take Back Our Rights’, highlighting the resolve of Malaysia’s indigenous people in reclaiming their rights and actively contributing to national development.

The event, organised by Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS), which represents 100 grassroots Indigenous organisations across the country, includes cultural exhibitions, a forum on land rights and environmental sustainability, traditional sports as well as showcases of Indigenous arts, crafts and cuisine.

In Malaysia, where indigenous people make up 13.8 per cent of its population, critical issues affecting their rights are still being addressed, despite progress since the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007.

The celebration highlights Malaysia’s commitment to upholding UNDRIP and promoting collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals that benefit all segments of the community.

The World Indigenous Peoples Day is observed every Aug 9, in which its global initiative is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous people around the world.