Malaysia urged to stop rounding up Myanmar refugees

Kuala Lumpur, July 5 (Khonumthung) : 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.

In a series of raids by immigration offcials and the RELA on June 25 and 27, over 200 Myanmar refugees hailing from Chin state in Myanmar were arrested and locked up in an immigration detention centre in Malaysia.

The CHRO is particularly concerned about two pregnant women and 36 children also rounded up and confined in Lenggeng immigration detention centre. Some of the women and children being detained in the detention centre are Ngun Tha Lian (1), Tial Tim Rem (3),Van Lian Bawi (3) Siang Hlei Sung (4), Jumania Sung Tin Par (6), Ngun Za Hlei (7), Cem Cem (7), Tha Chin Iang (10), Solomon (12), Cung Uk Thawng (12), Sui cin (13) and Philip (14).

CHRO also highlighted the condition of prisoners in the detention centre. It said that they are being given inadequate food, clothing and accommodation. Besides, the guards also allegedly abuse them verbally and physically.

CHRO’s letter of appeal called for help by the international community to pressure the Malaysian government to unconditionally release Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers in immigration detention centres.

Though, Malaysia is a party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as a sitting member of the UN Human Rights Council, is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or to its 1967 Protocol.

The Malaysian government prosecutes and arrests Myanmar refugees and illegal migrants under the Immigration Act.  Detainees are liable to be imprisoned and caning.

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