The EU supports Empowerment of Indigenous Communities in Sabah

The European Union (EU) announces the collaboration with PACOS Trust to promote socioeconomic and cultural rights among indigenous peoples in Sabah through the "Empowering Indigenous Communities: Strengthening Capacities, Networks, Advocacy, and Cultural Resilience for the Realization of their Rights" project.

Joanna Wasiewska, First Counsellor from the EU Delegation to Malaysia, said: "The European Union has been actively supporting indigenous peoples globally since the late 1990s. We have committed ourselves to maintain indigenous peoples as a focus of attention given their disadvantage in many societies. We are proud to extend our support to PACOS Trust for the next three years. PACOS Trust has successfully implemented prior initiatives, also funded by the EU, to combat child marriage and enhance women's political leadership. This new EU grant of EUR 610,000 allows PACOS Trust to put ongoing efforts to create enabling environment in the state of Sabah in order to promote the rights of indigenous peoples including women and children."

"This 3-year support from the EU for indigenous peoples in Malaysia will undoubtedly pave the way for meaningful contributions to nation-building. Their deep connection with the environment, rich culture, and communal wisdom will serve as invaluable assets in fostering sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage," said Anne Lasimbang, Executive Director of PACOS Trust.

This initiative by PACOS Trust aims to bridge the gap in knowledge and awareness of rights among indigenous peoples in Malaysia. The focus is on empowering Sabah indigenous peoples civil society organisations to participate more actively in decision-making processes. Activities include supporting independent media, combating misinformation, raising awareness to end child marriage and highlighting the roles of indigenous women as community leaders and environmental stewards. Additionally, in alignment with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), campaigns, workshop and learning materials will be developed in local languages to preserve indigenous cultures.