Mohamad calls for greater burden sharing for Rohingya refugees

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan is currently in New York, representing Malaysia at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Malaysia, home to a significant Rohingya refugee population, has urged the global community to bear a larger share of responsibility in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The minister emphasized that a viable solution must tackle the root causes of the issue, including the Rohingya's citizenship status, while also facilitating their safe, voluntary, and dignified return to their home state of Rakhine.

In his address at the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers, held at UN headquarters, Foreign Minister Hasan stressed the urgent need for international burden-sharing to aid countries hosting Rohingya refugees. He reaffirmed Malaysia's dedication to holding Myanmar accountable for human rights abuses, supporting Gambia's case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice.

The minister also highlighted Malaysia's generous contributions to the OIC Fund for Rohingya and encouraged other OIC member states to do the same.

Regarding Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Hasan reiterated Malaysia's commitment to supporting humanitarian and socioeconomic development, as well as practical initiatives in the nation. The Global Peace Mission Malaysia, in collaboration with the OIC Kabul Mission, signed a memorandum of understanding on August 10 to implement the Enhancing Girls’ Education in Afghanistan initiative.

This program focuses on renovating two girls' schools in Kabul and providing essential equipment. Malaysia sees this as a concrete step towards advancing girls' education and strengthening ties with the OIC in Afghanistan.

Furthermore, Hasan emphasized Malaysia's support for the OIC's policy of constructive engagement with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, while emphasizing the importance of these entities fulfilling their international obligations and commitments. He also mentioned that Malaysia joined the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan in February 2026 and expressed willingness to contribute constructively to these efforts.

The Foreign Minister is in New York from September 23 to 27 to lead Malaysia's delegation to the UN General Assembly's 81st session.