Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia

Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia is a voluntary and non-political organization registered in 2006 under the Societies Act 1966. We have nearly two decades of experience and expertise in building resilient and self-reliant communities through community development initiatives. DHRRA employs various combinations of efforts and approaches including capacity building training, legal literacy and entrepreneurship development programs, to empower and improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities in Malaysia. This is in line with DHRRA’s goal to contribute to the reduction of vulnerability, marginalization, discrimination and economic exclusion in Malaysia.

For almost 20 years, DHRRA has been actively working with varied stakeholders, including government agencies in addressing and resolving statelessness in Malaysia. Being the pioneer in bringing to surface the extent of in-situ statelessness issue in Malaysia, through a mapping and registration exercise carried out in 2004. DHRRA have as of now assisted more than 16,692 undocumented persons and assisted them to submit their citizenship applications at the relevant government agencies. Over the years, through DHRRA’s continuous interventions, thousands of individuals have been freed from the cycle of statelessness entrapping them and their families. The organization continues to assist stateless persons from diverse ethnicities including childhood statelessness in Malaysia to acquire nationality documentation through its community based paralegal aid services.

The organization’s work on statelessness, grounded in evidence-based advocacy, has empowered it to effectively challenge and prevent the adoption of several regressive amendments proposed in the Malaysian Citizenship Bill, March 2024 in collaboration with several likeminded stakeholders. By leveraging solid data and research, the organization has been able to present compelling arguments that resonate with policymakers and stakeholders. It continues to collaborate closely with impacted persons, Members of Parliament, National Human Rights Commission, Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure the rights of stateless children are safeguarded. This ongoing partnership and concerted effort are crucial in driving legislative and policy changes that protect and promote the well-being of stateless children of Malaysians.