Representatives of indigenous communities from various  parts of Sarawak aim to build the capacities of indigenous people to exercise their rights as guaranteed in the federal constitution and spelt out in the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

The representatives participated in a capacity-building training programme for Sarawak indigenous communities in Bintulu from Feb 28 to March 2, 2014 organised by the Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (Scrips). The representatives included village headmen, community leaders from the women and youth bureaus, among others.

During the workshop, the participants highlighted the challenges faced by indigenous communities - increasing poverty, loss of natural resources and lack of employment opportunities, lack of access to clean water, proper roads and information.

Participants were trained in various areas such as community governance, communications, understanding the federal constitution, UNDRIP, engagement with government agencies and policy advocacy.

The participants drew attention to the fact that indigenous communities have been left behind in the process of policy development. Efforts will be made by Scrips to the federal and state governments to include representatives of indigenous communities in policy formulation processes.

By exercising their rights, indigenous communities aim to get out of the current situation of poverty, marginalisation and illegitimate dispossession of their ancestral lands.

The participants have requested for capacity building training programmes by Scrips to be held at various places throughout Sarawak.

The three-day programme was supported by the US Embassy of Kuala Lumpur.


MICHAEL M JOK is secretary-general, Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (Scrips).