UNHCR warns Myanmar remains unsafe for refugees to return

The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has cautioned that Myanmar continues to pose significant risks for Myanmar refugees wishing to return to their homeland. In a statement to Reuters, the agency clarified that it is not directly involved in Malaysia's planned repatriation of Rohingya refugees. The Home Ministry of Malaysia announced last week that the initial phase of the voluntary repatriation program would see 1,476 refugees returning to Myanmar on September 29.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously mentioned that Myanmar had agreed to repatriate 5,000 Rohingya refugees amid heightened tensions among local communities in Malaysia. However, the UNHCR argues that the ongoing armed conflict and violence in Myanmar render any repatriation unsafe, uncertain and unsustainable. Under international law, individuals cannot be sent to a country where their rights and freedoms are at risk.

A voluntary and informed decision, alongside safety and dignity, is required for any refugee return.

The UNHRC urges a careful evaluation of the protection needs of all concerned before repatriation and stands prepared to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure adequate safeguards. Malaysia currently hosts approximately 193,800 Myanmar refugees of diverse ethnicities, including Rohingya and Chin, as of February, according to UNHCR data. However, activists contend that a larger number remain undocumented.