Suhakam warns of international law violation over refugee repatriation
Suhakam asks whether their returns are genuinely voluntary, saying this must be determined by an independent authority, not the immigration department.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has criticized the Malaysian government's repatriation programme for Myanmar refugees, urging a halt to further returns. The commission argues that Malaysia, despite not being a party to the Refugee Convention, is bound by customary international law to protect refugees from persecution, torture, or serious harm in their home country.
The civil war in Myanmar continues, and the United Nations reports ongoing violence and worsening human rights conditions. Suhakam asserts that refugees should not be returned if there is a real risk of such harm. The commission questions the voluntariness of the refugees' decision to return, emphasizing that any such determination must be made by an independent authority like the UN refugee agency, not the immigration department.
Suhakam calls for a proper assessment of each refugee's protection needs and the risks they might face upon return, prioritizing refugee children's safety, dignity, and best interests over all.
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- Suhakam warns of international law violation over refugee repatriation freemalaysiatoday.com
