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

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), Indonesian Human Rights National Commission (Komnas HAM), and Commission on Human Rights Philippines (CHRP) has been renewed for another five years to address the stateless issue in Sabah, according to a statement from Suhakam.

The renewal of the MoU took place at a ceremony in Semporna, with Suhakam commissioner (Sabah) Datuk Hajah Mariati Robert, Komnas HAM chief Dr Atnike Nova Sigiro, and CHRP commissioner beza Angeles Epres signing on behalf of their respective institutions.

The initial MoU was signed in April 2019 between Suhakam and Komnas HAM, with CHRP as an observer. It has since been renewed twice, with official participation from all three parties, and the current renewal is applicable from 2023 to 2028.

During the previous term, various initiatives were implemented, including meetings with the Sabah Chief Minister and 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.

Suhakam emphasized that the renewal of the MoU for a five-year period reflects the commitment of all parties to work with the government and key stakeholders in finding solid solutions to improve the human rights situation of stateless people and those at risk of statelessness in Sabah.

One of the key focuses of the renewed MoU is to increase awareness and address public misconceptions about stateless individuals in Sabah. Suhakam highlighted that regardless of their status, stateless individuals and those at risk face similar challenges, including denial of access to basic rights, such as healthcare, education, and employment, making them vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, harassment, and forced labor.

Suhakam hopes that the MoU will serve as a platform for open discussions on challenging issues and generate public awareness to improve the situation of stateless individuals and find long-term solutions to this persistent problem.

As part of the MoU signing program, representatives from the three Commissions will visit communities in Pulau Omadal and Pulau Mabul in Semporna to evaluate the on-ground situation. Suhakam expressed gratitude to the Semporna district office, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), and the police for their assistance during the visit.