NST Leader: Shouldering the refugee burden
THERE are a handful of reasons why refugees and asylum seekers from troubled nations in the region flee to Malaysia.
Malaysia has become a refuge for people fleeing conflict, persecution and ethnic cleansing in countries such as Myanmar, Bosnia, and Palestine. The nation's welcoming attitude, coupled with its strong economy, creates opportunities for migrants in construction, plantation work and services. The UNHCR has recognised Malaysia as a vital regional hub, even though it is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.
However, Malaysia has now expressed dissatisfaction with the UNHCR's failure to resettle refugees to third countries, with only 5,000 out of 5,800 refugees resettled in three years. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan cautioned that Malaysia may reconsider the UNHCR's presence, a first since welcoming boat people in the 1970s.
While Malaysia understands the UNHCR's limited ability to determine refugee admissions, it will not be an easy burden to bear indefinitely. The international community must take responsibility for protecting refugees, as Malaysia is forced to review the UNHCR's role in the country.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
