DistantNews
Support us
Malaysia Considers Reviewing UN Refugee Agency's Presence Amid Rohingya Detentions
🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Malaysia Considers Reviewing UN Refugee Agency's Presence Amid Rohingya Detentions

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Malaysia's foreign minister suggested reviewing the UN refugee agency's presence if it does not cooperate on stricter refugee document controls.
  • The comments followed the detention of over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Rights groups criticized Malaysia's treatment of refugees, urging adherence to human rights standards.

Malaysia is considering the future of the UN refugee agency's operations within its borders, with the foreign minister calling for a review unless stricter controls are imposed on refugee document issuance. Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that Malaysia wants "cooperation and strict screening" from the UNHCR.

We want cooperation and strict screening. If they do not want to cooperate, in my opinion, it is time for us to reconsider the presence of UNHCR in the country so that we do not continue to be burdened.

— Mohamad HasanMalaysia's Foreign Minister, stating his conditions for the continued presence of the UN refugee agency in the country.

"If they do not want to cooperate, in my opinion, it is time for us to reconsider the presence of UNHCR in the country so that we do not continue to be burdened," Mohamad was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama. His remarks came after authorities detained more than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who had gathered outside the UNHCR premises in Kuala Lumpur seeking assistance after being evicted from their homes.

The Malaysian government, through the home ministry, is working to ensure that the screening process for refugees is jointly conducted by the UNHCR and local authorities when issuing documentation. The minister suggested that the UNHCR office attracts more refugees to Malaysia, including Rohingya Muslims, exacerbating the situation.

These efforts contributed to their transfer to alternative accommodation, which is ongoing.

— UNHCRThe UN Refugee Agency, commenting on efforts to assist detained Rohingya refugees.

In response to the detentions, Amnesty International's Malaysia branch voiced concern, stating, "Malaysia cannot build a credible refugee protection system while simultaneously treating refugees as people to be rounded up, detained, and removed." The group urged that refugees and asylum seekers be treated with dignity and in accordance with their human rights.

Malaysia cannot build a credible refugee protection system while simultaneously treating refugees as people to be rounded up, detained, and removed.

— Amnesty International MalaysiaThe human rights group criticizing Malaysia's approach to refugees and asylum seekers.

The detained Rohingya refugees reportedly possess valid UNHCR documentation and were to be temporarily sheltered at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters pending further action by the refugee agency. Malaysia, though not a signatory to the UN refugee convention, hosts a significant Rohingya population registered with the UNHCR.

Refugees and asylum seekers should be treated with dignity and in accordance with their human rights, as people who need protection.

— Amnesty International MalaysiaThe human rights group advocating for the humane treatment of refugees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog