Malaysia urged to stop rounding up Myanmar refugees: Khonumthung News

July 05, 2007

In an ardent appeal to the Malaysian government, the Chin Human Right Organization has urged it to call a halt to the crackdown on Myanmar refugees. Instead it has asked Malaysia to cooperate with the office of The United Nation High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) to protect the inherent rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

The Malaysian government is violating basic human rights by its relentless raids targeting the refugee community. To make matters worse there are reports of torture and abuse of hapless refugees in detention camps and consequent deportation, said CHRO’s urgent letter of appeal.

228 Burmese Asylum Seekers and Refugees Arrested by RELA

SUARAM is informed that 228 asylum seekers and refugees from Burma were arrested in an operation by the Malaysian Immigration and RELA (People’s Voluntary Corps) raid today (25 June 2007). About 2.00am, the joint force raided the Chin Refugee Centre and Chin communities at Jalan Imbi and Jalan San Peng, Kuala Lumpur.

Most of the detainees are recognised as refugees by the United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR). Among them, 30 people are underaged, 5 pregnant women and 10 people who will be sent to United State of America tomorrow for resettlement. Chin refugee leader, P, was also among those arrested.

For the time being, the 10 refugees who will be resettled to USA together with P, have been released after pressure for Human Rights groups. Remaining 217 people had been sent to Semenyih detention camp.

SUARAM condemns the arrest and calls for the immediate release of all the arrested asylum seekers, especially those UNHCR refugee card holders and women. As an elected member of the UN Human Rights Council, the Malaysian government should respect the right of refugees in accordance to international human rights law.