x.
xi.
CH A PT E R 2
ix.
projects. The state government must ensure that in any gazetting exercise, no
human habitation exists in the area to be gazetted. In other words, it should be
pro-active and not reactive.
Where possible, mediation could be adopted between parties to avoid costly legal
processes and settlements in relation to land disputes.
The government has a responsibility to ensure indigenous peoples have access to
adequate resources to research and negotiate their claims so that the settlement
is equitable, just and enduring.
Member states within the UNPFII must commit to engaging in a meaningful dialogue
with their indigenous peoples and NHRIs, where they exist, to design and develop
national strategies to give full effect to the UNDRIP, which includes monitoring,
evaluation and annual reporting of the progress of implementation.
The Way Forward
Land is becoming more and more scarce as a resource for the government and
the indigenous community. SUHAKAM hopes to engage both the federal and state
governments towards achieving long-term solutions for the land rights of the indigenous
community. It is SUHAKAM’s hope that the NI recommendations are implemented
without any further delay.
SUHAKAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
99