Chapter 2 - Report of the Complaints, Monitoring and Inquiries Group The Commission has since distributed the NI Report to various stakeholders including, but not limited to, government agencies and NGOs, relevant international organisations and other national human rights institutions. (b) Recommendations of the NI The NI Report offers general conclusions and makes 18 recommendations under six main themes. (i) General Conclusions 1. It is the Commission’s earnest hope that the National Task Force will ensure the expeditious and effective implementation of the NI proposals and recommendations in the interests of the IP. IP are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Malaysia. Despite provisions of the Federal Constitution, domestic laws and international laws that recognise their land rights, systemic issues have denied them the full enjoyment of their legal and human rights. These issues have evolved mainly from successive amendments of land laws that failed to recognise their perspectives of land ownership and management and, therefore, eroded Native Customary Rights (NCR) exerted over land. Administrative decisions have affected land claims as well. These evolved from the adoption of policies that have given priority to large-scale development projects over the indigenous subsistence economy. (ii) 2. There is a high degree of frustration and anger in indigenous communities over violation of their land rights and the inadequate response to this. As injustices in access to and control of land are often central to the genesis of conflict that could be costly for the country as a whole if not addressed effectively, the NI sees it as critical that such injustices are dealt with in an expeditious and holistic manner. 3. On the basis of the facts and determinations arising from the NI, 18 key recommendations were made alongside proposals for implementation. It is recommended that all activities involving reviews and studies be conducted with the full and effective participation of IP. The Government’s commitment in adopting the recommendation to establish an independent National Commission on Indigenous Peoples will ensure that indigenous land rights are effectively addressed. Main Recommendations The NI finds that recognition of NCR to land is critical to their protection and promotion. These rights are an indivisible and integral part of the protection and promotion of other human rights of IP. As such, current shortcomings must be addressed. 59