The Humanitarian Situation
Beneath the political and legal dimensions of Sabah's case lies a human reality that demands urgent attention. Sabah has the highest absolute poverty rate in Malaysia, among the highest infant mortality rates, lowest rates of educational attainment, and some of the most severe infrastructure deficits of any state in the country. For a territory of such extraordinary natural wealth, this is a humanitarian scandal.
Our Reports
The RSNB-GIE publishes regular humanitarian situation reports that draw on publicly available data, academic research, and testimony from communities in Sabah. These reports are submitted to UN human rights bodies, shared with partner organisations and media, and made available to the public as part of our commitment to transparency and public education.
International Humanitarian Response
We call on the international community — governments, international organisations, and civil society — to pay closer attention to the humanitarian situation in Sabah and to pressure the Malaysian government to address the root causes of Sabahan poverty and marginalisation. Development without self-determination is insufficient; genuine improvement in Sabahans' lives requires political change.