The Myanmar Malaysia Rohingya Ethnic Human Rights Organization (Merhrom) has appealed to the Malaysian government not to proceed with the repatriation of 5,000 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. The organization claims that the group's safety is still not guaranteed due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Merhrom Raises Security Issues
Merhrom President, Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani, said the Rohingya are stateless and face risks if they are deported while the conflict in Myanmar is still ongoing.
He also claimed that the action contradicts the principle of non-refoulement, which is a principle of international law that prohibits a person from being returned to a place where their life or safety is at risk.
Merhrom also urged the government to seek the views of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and representatives of the Rohingya community before any decision is finalized.
Government Begins Screening Process
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Myanmar had agreed to repatriate 5,000 of its citizens who were in Malaysia as a result of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.
Following this, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) has begun the process of identifying, documenting and screening the individuals involved.
According to Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the process is carried out through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP).
The screening involves the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Immigration Department before the status of each individual is confirmed.
The process involves thousands of Myanmar citizens
Saifuddin said that there are currently about 22,000 residents in 19 immigration depots throughout the country.
Of that number, around 4,000 have been identified as Myanmar citizens and will be placed in one depot to facilitate the documentation process, security screening and coordination between agencies.
He explained that the process is ongoing, while the repatriation arrangements will be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the screening process is complete.
Merhrom Claims Risks Still Exist
Merhrom claims that the Rohingya who are being repatriated are at risk of facing security threats due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The organization also claims that many Rohingya are still victims of violence and urges Malaysia, ASEAN, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to intensify efforts to find a long-term solution to the crisis.
Key Takeaways
Merhrom appeals to the government to postpone the repatriation of 5,000 Rohingya to Myanmar.
The organization claims that the safety of the Rohingya is still not guaranteed due to the ongoing conflict.
The Malaysian government has announced that Myanmar has agreed to take back 5,000 of its citizens.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has begun the process of identifying, documenting and vetting the individuals involved.
Any repatriation decision will only proceed after the vetting and coordination process is complete.
The issue of repatriation of Rohingya refugees is expected to continue to be a focus in the near future. At the same time, the government continues the vetting process, while human rights organizations urge that security and humanitarian protection aspects are also considered before any decision is made.
