Undocumented children in Sabah trapped by stigma and denied basic rights: NGO

 By Olivia Miwil

April 30, 2026 @ 7:15am

Undocumented children are victims of circumstance, says Advocates for Non-discrimination and Access to Knowledge, a Sabah-based grassroots non-profit organisation. -NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

KOTA KINABALU: Social stigma against undocumented children is hampering efforts to help them, says an activist.

Cameliah Thomas, community engagement lead for Advocates for Non-discrimination and Access to Knowledge (Anak), said the public often sees these children as troublemakers or potential criminals, making them reluctant to offer support.

"Sadly, society often sees them as beggars or a nuisance, instead of children who need protection and education," she told the New Straits Times.

"These children did not choose this life. But the system pushes them into the shadows because no documents mean no access to formal schooling."

Anak, a Sabah-based grassroots non-profit organisation, provides paralegal aid on civil registration, advocates for stateless and immigration issues, researches marginalised communities, runs health and human rights campaigns, and distributes food and health supplies to underserved groups.

Cameliah said most street children they work with come from stateless communities, particularly the Bajau Laut along Sabah's coasts and islands.

The lack of identification documents excludes them from education, healthcare and social protection.

"In such conditions, they are forced onto the streets, begging or selling small items, and many risk exploitation.

"That is why we run awareness programmes to remind communities that these children are not criminals, but victims of circumstance."

Anak is urging the government to treat stateless and street children as a pressing human rights issue.

Its demands include ensuring access to education regardless of citizenship, recognising alternative education centres, and providing solutions for identity documentation.

"We want the government to embody the principle of 'no child left behind'," she said. "No child should be trapped in poverty because of a citizenship quandary not of their doing."

The state government set up a temporary protection centre in the state capital in 2023 to provide basic education, among others.

In May last year, Kota Kinabalu City Hall signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Children's Fund to enhance child safety and access to quality education.