Malaysia Urges UNHCR to Speed Up Rohingya Resettlement, Citing Strained Resources

Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar) President Jismi Jahari has called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to accelerate the resettlement process for Rohingya refugees to third countries. Jahari emphasized that Malaysia serves merely as a transit point, not a permanent solution for the Rohingya crisis. He pointed out that Malaysia's non-adherence to the 1951 Refugee Convention places the core mandate of resettlement squarely on the UNHCR, urging a faster and more aggressive approach. The prolonged wait for some Rohingya refugees, with over 200,000 currently in Malaysia, places a significant strain on the nation's economy, public services, security, and social fabric. Jahari stated that this burden should not fall solely on Malaysia and its citizens. Furthermore, he clarified that UNHCR cards do not exempt refugees from Malaysian law. All individuals in Malaysia, regardless of status, must abide by the laws and respect the country's culture and societal values. Mahar also highlighted that 40 Rohingya NGOs have committed to expanding their roles beyond basic aid, focusing on educating refugees about their responsibilities as guests in a transit country and increasing international pressure on Myanmar's military junta. Jahari concluded by stressing the importance of mutual security, asserting that refugees have a right to safety in transit countries, just as Malaysian society has a right to feel secure.

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Malaysia is only a transit country and not a long-term solution for the Rohingya refugee crisis.