Asylum & RefugeeSep 1, 2026·2 min read

No role in Malayasia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, says UNHCR

The Hindu – International

1d ago

No role in Malayasia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, says UNHCR

Summary

Subscribed with another email? Logout and Login with that one. Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription Published - September 01, 2026 10:29 pm IST - KUALA LUMPUR File photo for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: AP The United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) it was not involved in Malaysia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, ‌and warned that it remains unsafe for them to return to the war-torn ⁠country. Malaysia’s Home Ministry said last week it had finalised the first phase of a voluntary repatriation programme ‌that will see 1,476 refugees returned to Myanmar on September 29. Prime Minister Anwar ‌Ibrahim had earlier said Myanmar had agreed ‌to ⁠repatriate 5,000 Rohingya, amid rising tensions ⁠over the refugees within local communities in Malaysia. The UNHCR said an ongoing armed conflict and violence across Myanmar meant there could not ‌be a safe, dignified and sustainable voluntary return of refugees. “Under customary international law – a binding obligation on all states – no one should ‌be sent to a country where their rights or freedoms may be at risk. Any refugee return must be voluntary, ⁠based on an informed decision, and take place in conditions of safety and dignity,” it said ‌in an emailed statement to Reuters. “UNHCR urges that careful consideration be given to the protection needs of all those concerned before they are returned to Myanmar, and stands ready to engage with relevant authorities on protection safeguards.” A Home ‌Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the UNHCR statement, referring to its earlier remarks that the repatriation process was voluntary. Thousands of refugees ⁠have fled Myanmar since a 2021 military coup that ⁠sparked a nationwide civil war. As of February, Malaysia had around 193,800 refugees ‌from Myanmar of various ethnicities including Rohingya and Chin, according to UNHCR data.

From the source

Prime Minister Anwar ‌Ibrahim had earlier said Myanmar had agreed ‌to ⁠repatriate 5,000 Rohingya, amid rising tensions ⁠over the refugees within local communities in Malaysia

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