Abstract / Excerpt:

A stand-off between the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and the Malaysian Security Forces erupted last February 2013 in Lahad Datu, Malaysia. As a result, the armed conflict displaced thousands of individuals including the Sama Simunul Children. These children and their families relocated in the different islands of the Province of Tawi-Tawi. However, given their undocumented status the Sama Simunul children became highly vulnerable to different human rights abuses. Utilizing, the Human Rights Framework, the plight of the undocumented Sama Simunul children was investigated. The obligations of the local government as duty-bearer were scrutinized.
The findings of the study included the different causes of the undocumented status of the children including the distance of the birth registration site and the fear of authorities. Several protection issues were also identified by the mothers and children with regards to basic necessities and social services. Indeed, the Sama Simunul children are now living in a more peaceful environment but it does not guarantee that their rights have been fully realized.

Info

Source Institution	Ateneo de Davao University
Unit	Social Science
Authors	Akeem Jade G. Fabila, MASOR
Page Count	14
Place of Publication	Davao City
Original Publication Date	April 1, 2015
Tags	Simunul Children, Tawi-Tawi, Undocumented Sama

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