Don’t ignore their human rights

MEDIA reports indicate that on June 4 and 5, hundreds of Bajau Laut in Sabah’s Semporna district – including on Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Bodgaya, Pulau Sebangkat, and Pulau Sibuan – lost their homes when authorities demolished them, citing concerns about security and cross-border crime (see TheStarTV.com video at bit.ly/4b3z227).

While eviction notices were issued from May 2 to 4, the action of demolishing and burning houses has fallen short of upholding the human rights and dignity of this marginalised community. The Social and Economic Research Initiative (Seri), while recognising the complexity of the issue, advocates for pragmatic and inclusive solutions in ensuring peace, stability, and order, as well as preserving the dignity of affected stakeholders.