KOTA KINABALU: The Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) has called on Malaysian authorities to immediately cease the eviction and destruction of Bajau Laut homes in Semporna, on the east coast of Sabah.
Condemning the actions, Centhra urged the government to respect and protect the rights of the Bajau Laut and to seek long-term solutions.
"Halt all ongoing evictions and demolitions and ensure the protection of the Bajau Laut community's rights.
"This includes recognising their unique cultural heritage and way of life, which have historically been intertwined with the maritime regions of Sabah," it said in a statement.
The group suggested that authorities engage in dialogue and consultation with the Bajau Laut community, local non-governmental organisations, international human rights organisations, and relevant stakeholders.
"This collaborative approach is essential to finding humane and sustainable solutions that respect the Bajau Laut's way of life and human rights," they stated.
Centhra also called on the government to develop and implement policies that provide access to essential services for stateless and undocumented individuals.
This includes ensuring access to education, healthcare, and legal aid, which are critical to improving their living conditions and integrating them into society.
"We should ratify and adhere to key international human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) to strengthen the legal framework protecting all individuals within Malaysia's borders.
"This would demonstrate Malaysia's commitment to upholding international human rights standards," it said.
The government should also establish a comprehensive legal framework for the Bajau Laut and other stateless communities to obtain legal status, they added.
"This involves developing a comprehensive legal framework that provides clear procedures for the recognition of stateless individuals, ensuring their access to rights and protections under the law.
"Centhra stands ready to assist the Malaysian government and other stakeholders in addressing these human rights concerns through advocacy, research, and policy recommendations," the statement said.
It also emphasised the need for a rights-based approach that prioritises the dignity and well-being of the Bajau Laut and other stateless communities.
"The international community must support efforts to ensure that these communities are not subjected to further injustices and are afforded the protections they deserve," said the statement.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew explained that the recent eviction of the Bajau Laut community in Semporna was carried out due to security issues at the district level.
This action followed shooting incidents in Darvel Bay and cross-border criminal activities in the unauthorised settlement locations.