Malaysia starts Myanmar returns despite UN warnings
Summary
Malaysia has begun repatriating Myanmar nationals under a voluntary program despite warnings from the UN and rights groups that conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe. The first 1,476 returnees are part of a larger staged transfer of 5,000 people from immigration detention centers across the country.
Key Points
- Malaysia started sending Myanmar nationals back on Tuesday under a voluntary repatriation program.
- The first group of 1,476 people is part of a larger plan to return 5,000 Myanmar nationals in stages.
- UNHCR and rights groups warned that conditions in Myanmar remain volatile and returnees could face persecution or forced conscription.
- Malaysia hosts more than 215,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including about 126,000 Rohingya, but is not a party to the UN Refugee Convention.
