EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS COMMITTEE (IPRC) Realising that a concerted effort is required to address issues affecting the rights of indigenous peoples, the Commission established the IPRC during the year. The Committee will assess issues encountered by indigenous peoples in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak in realising their rights. As an initial step, the Commission will focus on customary land rights and on the indigenous legal, education, economy and healthcare systems, before embarking on other issues such as social, cultural, religious and political rights. REPORT OF THE NATIONAL INQUIRY COMMITTEE The year saw a landmark for the Commission when it made a decision to hold its first-ever National Inquiry. Pursuant to this, the Commission established the National Inquiry Committee to coordinate needs. A national inquiry is a mechanism that can be used to achieve the Commission’s mandate to look into systemic human rights issues, with a view to solving it through systematic means. The Commission will begin with the land rights of indigenous peoples. The involvement of all relevant stakeholders is important in ensuring a successful National Inquiry, which will kick off in January 2011. It is scheduled to be completed by June 2012. REPORT OF THE SABAH OFFICE The Commission’s office in Sabah took up complaints mainly on alleged infringement of indigenous land rights and citizenship. In addition, it organised promotional activities targeted at educating the public on human rights. These included road shows that enabled Commissioners to meet the people. In addition, public workshops and seminars were held on matters affecting the rights of indigenous peoples. REPORT OF THE SARAWAK OFFICE Apart from investigating complaints, the office in Sarawak also conducted Roundtable Discussions on issues like access to clean water and allegations of encroachment into indigenous land. The office held meetings with Government agencies and civil society organisations to advance the promotion of human rights. 11