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SUHAKAM welcomes cessation of Baram Dam project

Graphic: Gathering evidence during the SUHAKAM national inquiry

The decision reflects the responsiveness of the state government to the concerns expressed by indigenous communities, the Commission said.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has welcomed the Sarawak Government's decision to revoke the Land (Native Customary Rights)(No.39) Direction 2013 and the Land (Native Customary Rights)(No.53) Direction 2014.

SUHAKAM Chairperson Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said in a statement that the laws would extinguish native customary rights on land in two areas designated as sites for the proposed Baram Hydroelectric Dam.

"This decision reflects the responsiveness of the state government to the concerns expressed by indigenous communities who will be adversely affected by the dam project," he said.

"The Commission received a memorandum from the affected communities in 2012 who raised concerns over conceivable human rights violations resulting from the proposed development; and in September 2015, visited the site to gather feedback and the views of the communities.

"The Commission found that the indigenous peoples from all 10 villages were not in favour of the project that would, among others, affect their ancestral lands. The Commission also observed that the proposed project would impede their traditional activities and result in substantial resettlement of communities

"Recognising the critical disconnect between Malaysia's support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at the international stage and its application at the national level, there is an urgent need for the Government to intensify its efforts to meet the objectives of UNDRIP towards ensuring the fulfilment of the rights of indigenous peoples in this country.

"Among others, the Commission advises that an adequate legal framework for the development of large-scale hydroelectric projects must be put in place that would include social and environmental safeguards that are critical to protect against potentially harmful impacts on the environment and human rights."

Date: 26 March 2016

Source: Human Rights Commission of Malaysia

Image credits

  1. Gathering evidence during the SUHAKAM national inquiry - Human Rights Commission of Malaysia