Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS)

Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) or the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia is the umbrella network for 62 Orang Asal (Indigenous Peoples) community –based organization, supporting non-governmental organizations and community throughout Malaysia

Mission:

JOAS was established to support its members in advocating for protection of rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia through campaigns, capacity building trainings, networking, lobbying, and research development. In this regard, JOAS has been instrumental in forging itself as a national platform for indigenous struggle and development in Malaysia.

JOAS has also been instrumental in representing the indigenous interests and position at the national level, having been accepted by both federal and state governments, as well as non-governmental entities as the national representative body for Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia. JOAS also participates in the activities of regional and international indigenous movements and actively engages in inter-governmental processes. JOAS is also a member of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) based in Chiangmai, Thailand.

Objectives

JOAS is committed to promoting and defending the rights of Orang Asal in Malaysia, and articulating issues that effect them. JOAS pushes for recognition of  Orang Asal rights in the country at all levels. To achieve this, it serves as a platform for Orang Asal to be united in action and have the capacity to promote and defend their rights, identities, cultures and territories for their self-determination

Scope of work/ Activities:

• Human Rights
• Traditional knowledge and Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Media Advocacy
• Capacity Building
• Women and Youth
• Forest & Protected Areas