Bau to host World’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration forum in August

KUCHING (Aug 1): The World’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Forum, hosted by Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS), is set to take place from Aug 7 to 9 in Bau, convening indigenous leaders, policymakers, activists and scholars.

This national-level forum will address a range of pressing issues affecting indigenous communities and key discussion topics include business and human rights, youth empowerment and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“The role of women in self-determination, land rights, resource management, health, energy transition, socioeconomic challenges, education and traditional knowledge will also be one of the key discussion topics as well,” said JOAS in a statement yesterday.

It said the central theme ‘Take Back Our Rights’ will explore the interplay between corporate interests and indigenous rights, with a focus on youth empowerment and evaluating the impact of UNDRIP in Malaysia.

Additionally, the forum will assess Malaysia’s performance on the UN Human Development Index and spotlight the Tuai Rumah Sandah case, underscoring the need for justice and fair treatment in indigenous land rights issues.

“Held annually in conjunction with World’s Indigenous Peoples Day, the forum aims to foster dialogue and inspire collective action to address systemic challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia.

“It will also strive to generate actionable outcomes that respect and promote the rights, cultures and traditions of indigenous communities.

“The event will be hosted at Redeems Centre in Bau,” said JOAS.

For further details about the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Sarawak, contact Muna Getor on 011-40530326.

JOAS is a network comprising over 100 grassroots Indigenous organisations across Malaysia, dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.