UNHCR decries Malaysia’s  return of 1,476 people to Myanmar

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has expressed concerns over  Malaysia’s recent return of 1,476 people to Myanmar amid the country’s continuing conflict and dire human rights and humanitarian situation.

The UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Edem Wosorn., in a statement said: “We are concerned by these returns at a time when people sent back to Myanmar may face serious risks, and some within the group may be in need of international protection.

 “While authorities say the returns are voluntary, those returned had been held in immigration detention. This raises serious questions about whether decisions to return were genuinely free and informed. UNHCR did not have access to the individuals to assess this.”

UNHCR said it fully recognizes Malaysia’s sovereign responsibility to manage asylum and migration. However, it urged Malaysia to ensure that all returns are subject to robust safeguards, including individual assessments and access to protection procedures. Decisions to return must be voluntary and assessed outside detention settings.

Under the principle of non-refoulement, no one should be returned to a country where they may face persecution, torture or other serious threats to their life or freedom.

Until conditions in Myanmar allow for safe, dignified and sustainable returns, States must continue to provide access to asylum and uphold international protection obligations.

UNHCR added that it remains ready to work with Malaysia to strengthen national asylum and protection arrangements.

“Greater regional and international support is needed to advance a political solution to the crisis and end the hostilities in Myanmar. UNHCR calls on the international community to maintain support for countries in the region hosting refugees from Myanmar.”