Refugees and undocumented migrants not the same, says Bar

 

Nearly a million Rohingya refugees have fled decades-long persecution in Myanmar, with Malaysia hosting nearly 110,000 of them as of last month. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has urged the country’s policymakers to recognise that refugees are not undocumented migrants.

In a statement marking World Refugee Day today, Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said it was crucial to understand that refugees and asylum seekers were forced to flee their countries due to dire circumstances.

Putrajaya considers refugees and asylum seekers to be undocumented, or illegal migrants, under the Immigration Act 1959/1963.

Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which safeguards the rights and protects those granted asylum by the country sheltering them.

Ezri said despite numerous calls for the legal protection of refugees in Malaysia, the country does not have an adequate legal and administrative framework in place to legitimise and safeguard refugees.

He said the lack of effective legislation for refugees marginalises them and prevents them from enjoying fundamental human rights such as job opportunities, healthcare and education.

“The first step is to make a sincere effort to address and correct the narrative that refugees are undocumented migrants as this is the primary obstacle preventing them from being afforded fundamental rights and protection in Malaysia,” he said.

“The Malaysian Bar believes in and hopes for a Malaysia that responds to refugees and asylum seekers with respect and understanding.

“We should no longer remain ignorant to the glaring suffering of others, especially when joint efforts and the proper allocation of resources can make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees, both as individuals and as a community.

“Refugees and asylum seekers are no less human than we are and deserve to be treated with equal dignity and kindness.”

The United Nations has designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to commemorate the courage and strength of refugees around the world forced to flee their home countries due to conflict or persecution.

Ezri said he hoped greater awareness about the plight of refugees would garner the much-needed political will and resources to provide them with the opportunity to not only survive but to also live with dignity in whichever country they are seeking refuge and asylum.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said Malaysia hosts nearly 190,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of last month — which includes nearly 110,000 Rohingya.

Malaysia also hosts refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution in 50 countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Sri Lanka. - FMT