UNHCR distances itself from Malaysia’s Myanmar refugee repatriation plan

UNHCR says it is not involved in Malaysia’s Myanmar refugee repatriation plan and warns that ongoing conflict makes returns unsafe

Desk Report

Sep 5, 2026, 03:29 PM2 min read

UNHCR distances itself from Malaysia’s Myanmar refugee repatriation plan

Rohingya refugees gather at Kuala Lumpur Police Headquarters on July 28, 2026, after being relocated from outside the UNHCR office in Jalan Bukit Petaling, as Malaysia prepares for their repatriation to Myanmar / Collected

The UN refugee agency has distanced itself from Malaysia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, warning that ongoing conflict and insecurity in Myanmar make returns unsafe.

The UNHCR said on September 1 that it was not involved in Malaysia’s repatriation programme and stressed that refugees should only return when conditions allow for a safe, dignified and sustainable return.

“Any refugee return must be voluntary, based on an informed decision, and take place in conditions of safety and dignity,” the agency said in an emailed statement reported by Reuters.

The agency also called on authorities to assess the protection needs of refugees before any return, citing the principle that people should not be sent to countries where their rights or freedoms could be at risk.

According to Migrant Times, the UNHCR’s position comes as Malaysia prepares to begin the first phase of its voluntary repatriation programme, involving 1,476 Myanmar refugees who are scheduled to return on September 29.

Malaysia’s Home Ministry has said the process is voluntary, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously said Myanmar had agreed to receive 5,000 Rohingya. The planned returns come amid growing concern among some communities in Malaysia over the country’s large refugee population.

Myanmar has remained in the grip of a nationwide conflict since the military seized power in 2021, forcing large numbers of people to flee. The violence has continued across several parts of the country, raising concerns over the safety of potential returnees.

UNHCR data showed that Malaysia was hosting about 193,800 refugees from Myanmar as of February, including Rohingya, Chin and members of other ethnic communities. Activists say the actual number could be considerably higher because many refugees remain unregistered.

The UNHCR said it remains ready to engage with relevant authorities on protection safeguards but reiterated that any return should be based on informed and voluntary decisions and take place under conditions of safety and dignity.

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