What is the main problem the project is seeking to address? In Malaysia, Gender Unequal Citizenship Laws continue to create barriers for families where one parent or spouse is a non-citizen (Malaysian binational families). Although recent reforms signal important progress toward equality, gaps in implementation still leave many children of Malaysian parents without access to citizenship on an equal basis. These inequalities not only contribute to situations of statelessness but also affect the right to family life. Malaysia ranked third in Southeast Asia with 115,169 stateless individuals reported to UNHCR in 2022 - a figure likely far higher due to underreporting. Current advocacy efforts are largely legal and policy-driven, leaving few safe and creative spaces for stateless individuals to express their lived realities, challenge stigma, and shape public understanding. This lack of visibility and representation reinforces marginalisation and limits opportunities for inclusive dialogue and reform. The project is expected to result in empowered young stateless storytellers with the confidence and creative skills to share their experiences, fostering greater public empathy and understanding of statelessness. Through arts-based expression, it will increase the visibility and inclusion of stateless communities in Malaysia’s cultural narrative, strengthen collaboration between community leaders, artists, and civil society, and leave a lasting creative legacy through artworks and digital stories that continue to inspire dialogue and advocacy beyond the campaign.

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What is the main change the project seeks to achieve? This 12-18 month community arts campaign seeks to shift public narratives toward empathy, inclusion, and recognition of the right to family life. By amplifying the voices and creative leadership of stateless persons, the project aims to humanise the impact of exclusionary citizenship policies and highlight shared aspirations for belonging, identity, and equality. To achieve this, the project will equip stateless participants with creative and storytelling tools through participatory workshops on photography, visual arts, spoken word, and digital media; co-create and showcase community artworks through exhibitions, digital platforms, and pop-up events; engage the wider public and media through a sustained arts-based campaign; and foster networks between stateless community artists, civil society, and creative professionals. The campaign will also intentionally expand to East Malaysia, where the issue remains underrepresented in national advocacy. The region’s unique socio-political context, diverse indigenous communities, and long-standing documentation challenges require dedicated attention and tailored approaches. Working in East Malaysia allows the project to build relationships with impacted persons, grassroots organizers, and local creatives who are often excluded from Peninsular-centric initiatives. By strengthening networks across both regions, the project supports a more inclusive, representative, and community-driven movement that advances the visibility and rights of persons impacted by statelessness in Malaysia.

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Who are the key partners? Family Frontiers, is led by a majority of women impacted by unequal citizenship laws and is a member organisation of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness. They will lead the implementation of this project in close collaboration with key partners including Purple Lily, Borneo Komrad, Cahaya Society, ANAK Sabah, Kings Resource Centre Sabah and potentially more. These organisations bring extensive experience in addressing statelessness, civil registration and vital statistics, nationality law reform, and community empowerment. Together, they will strengthen coordination across regions, ensure the inclusion of diverse stateless communities, and translate policy objectives into locally relevant action. Their combined expertise and grassroots networks will enable the project to deliver tangible outcomes - building the capacity of community advocates, improving access to information and resources, and amplifying rights-based narratives that drive systemic change.

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Who is the target population for this project? PrimaryThe primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities experiencing challenges related to citizenship in Malaysia. This includes persons who, due to current legal or administrative frameworks, have limited access to citizenship, as well as their children and families. A core group of 25–30 participants - predominantly youth, women, and girls - will be actively engaged in the project.

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OtherThe secondary target group includes a network of creative practitioners, civil society organisations, media professionals, and policymakers engaged in issues related to citizenship, legal identity, and inclusive rights. By strengthening collaboration with these stakeholders, the project aims to amplify community-led initiatives, foster more accurate and inclusive public narratives, and support informed institutional responses. Broader communities experiencing challenges related to citizenship will also benefit indirectly through increased visibility, improved access to information, and the positive outcomes of strengthened grassroots engagement.

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Funding and costs What is the total cost of this project?45,000 USD

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How much funding is needed?45,000 USD

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