The role of NGOs in addressing squatter issues is to provide humanitarian assistance, advocacy, and empowerment to the squatters, as well as to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. Some of the ways that NGOs can help are:
- Providing humanitarian assistance: NGOs can provide basic needs such as food, water, sanitation, health care, education, and legal aid to the squatters, especially during emergencies or evictions. NGOs can also help to improve the living conditions and infrastructure of the squatter settlements, such as by building toilets, wells, schools, or community centers¹.
- Advocating for squatters’ rights: NGOs can raise awareness and educate the public, the media, and the policymakers about the causes and effects of the squatter issue, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the squatters. NGOs can also lobby and campaign for better policies and laws that protect the interests and welfare of the squatters, such as by promoting affordable housing, land reform, or urban planning².
- Empowering the squatters: NGOs can help to organize and mobilize the squatters to form associations, cooperatives, or committees that represent their voices and interests. NGOs can also provide training and skills development to the squatters to enhance their employability, income generation, and self-reliance. NGOs can also facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the squatters and the landowners or the authorities to resolve conflicts and disputes³.
Source:
(1) Eviction of Squatters in Malaysia: Your Rights as a Landowner – MahWengKwai. https://mahwengkwai.com/eviction-squatters-malaysia/.
(2) Honey, There’s A Squatter on Our Land! Squatters Rights in Malaysia …. https://www.thomasphilip.com.my/articles/honey-therers-a-squatter-on-our-land-squatters-rights-in-malaysia-the-legal-remedies-for-landowners/.
(3) Malaysia – The Problem With Squatters. – Conventus Law. https://conventuslaw.com/report/malaysia-the-problem-with-squatters/.
Dr Joseph Lee 