UN Raises Concern Over Malaysia’s Return Of Myanmar Migrants

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Kaula Lumpur: The UN has expressed alarm about Malaysia's intention to begin returning Myanmar nationals, saying that the ongoing conflict and insecurity in Myanmar may make returns dangerous.

Malaysia started the first phase of a voluntary repatriation program on Tuesday, including 1,476 Myanmar nationals as part of a larger plan to repatriate up to 5,000 people in stages. The returnees were escorted by security to a naval base in northwestern Malaysia before being sent to Myanmar.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stated that it was not involved in identifying people being repatriated and cautioned that conditions in Myanmar remain unsuitable for safe and sustainable refugee returns. It has emphasized that any return should be voluntary, based on informed consent, and carried out safely and with dignity.

Malaysia argues that the program is voluntary and was put on with Myanmar officials. The operation is part of Kuala Lumpur's larger efforts to manage the country's significant Myanmar community, which includes refugees and unauthorized migrants.

Human rights groups have also criticized the proposal, citing the hazards that people face when returning to a country still plagued by armed violence and political turmoil.