JARINGAN ORANG ASAL SEMALAYSIA (JOAS)

ADVOCATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' RIGHTS IN MALAYSIA

Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) Or Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia is the umbrella for 83 Orang Asal

(Indigenous Peoples) community-based organizations and communities , supported by associated members drawn from indigenous-NGOs and Indigenous-focused NGOs in Malaysia.

JOAS was established as a national network of indigenous peoples' organizations in Malaysia in 1922 during the first Indigenous National Workshop and later legally registered in 2009, with its national secretariat based in Penampang , Sabah . Its also has mini secretariat in Miri, Sarawak and in Subang Jaya, Selangor .

As the focal for indigenous rights and advocacy in Malaysia , JOAS provides assistance and a platform for indigenous communities nationally , regionally and internationally. JOAS is also a member of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) based in Thailand.

ORANG ASAL OF MALAYSIA (INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF MALAYSIA)

There are about four millions Indigenous Peoples or Orang Asal in Malaysia accounting for about 15 percent of the national population . All together we consist of 80 ethno-linguistic groups, each with its own culture , language and territory. Collectively , the Orang Asal count as among the most poor in the country as a result of marginalization and disenfranchement from the mainstream society on account of th non-recognition of our rights as contained in both national and international customary law.

OBJECTIVE

Joas is committed to promoting and defending the rights of the Orang Asal in Malaysia. JOAS articulates issues that affect us and pushes for the recognition of Orang Asal rights in the country at all levels . To achieve this , JOAS serves as a platform for Orang Asal to be united in action and capacity to promote and defend our rights, identities, cultures and territories - all in pursuit of our right to self- determination.

SCOPE OF WORK

Human Rights

Traditional Knowledge & Biodiversity

Climate Change

Media Advocacy

Capacity Building

Women & Youth

Forest & Protected Areas

PROJECT

JOAS implements projects that are relevant to the concerns of the Orang Asal that fall under its scope of work and programmes . Current research involves an analysis of laws and policies related to rights contained in the UNIDRIP to back up the need for entablishment of an independent National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; and a study on inter-generational transfer of traditional knowledge .

JOAS also building up an online database of its member and their need. Dissemination of information is fed through Facebook . Campaign and Advocacy focuses and the recognition of customary land , development policies and dealing with conflicts particularly with the private sector . The Youth programme is aimed at empowering Orang Asal youth , while the activities under the Women and Programme include craft development and leadership.

JOAS also organizes the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (PHOAS) or Hari Perayaan Orang Asal Sedunia every year in August ,which is gaining popularity and support . Members and NGOs support each other through exchange and joint activities such as training ,conferences , exhibitions ,mapping , joint memoranda to the government and presentation in national and international. PROJECT

JOAS implements projects that are relevant to the concerns of the Orang Asal that fall under its scope of work and programmes . Current research involves an analysis of laws and policies related to rights contained in the UNIDRIP to back up the need for entablishment of an independent National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; and a study on inter-generational transfer of traditional knowledge .

JOAS also building up an online database of its member and their need. Dissemination of information is fed through Facebook . Campaign and Advocacy focuses and the recognition of customary land , development policies and dealing with conflicts particularly with the private sector . The Youth programme is aimed at empowering Orang Asal youth , while the activities under the Women and Programme include craft development and leadership.

JOAS also organizes the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (PHOAS) or Hari Perayaan Orang Asal Sedunia every year in August ,which is gaining popularity and support . Members and NGOs support each other through exchange and joint activities such as training ,conferences , exhibitions ,mapping , joint memoranda to the government and presentation in national and international.

STRUCTURE

The General Assembly elects, every three years, the JOAS Main Committee, which is responsible for carrying out the resolutions of the General Assembly and for the reporting back to the members at the next General Assembly .

The JOAS Main Committee is headed by a president, supported by three Vice Presidents , one each from the Peninsular , Sabah and Sarawak sub-regions. The Committee also has a Secretary , Deputy Secretary , Treasurer and Deputy Treasure .

MEMBERSHIP

JOAS membership is only open to Village Committee or Peoples Organization , whether registered or appointed by custom (individual do not qualify as members) .

Application for Membership can be made through a form or an application letter available / sent to the JOAS Secretariat .