More than 160 civil society organizations have urged Malaysia to halt plans to return Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, warning that they could face renewed violence, persecution, and forced conscription if sent back.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the organisations expressed “grave concerns” over Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to seek the cooperation of Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing to facilitate the return of Rohingya, a Muslim minority that has faced decades of persecution in Myanmar.
The groups warned that conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe, particularly in Rakhine State, where the Myanmar military is fighting the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group seeking greater autonomy for the region.
They also raised concerns that returning Rohingya could be exposed to forced recruitment by several armed actors, including the Myanmar military, the AA and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Malaysia has said the repatriation programme is voluntary and involves Myanmar nationals. The government plans to send 1,476 Myanmar nationals back on September 29 as the first phase of a wider programme involving 5,000 people. Malaysian authorities have said the process will be carried out in coordination with Myanmar and will use two Myanmar Navy vessels and a hospital ship.
According to Arab News, Malaysia hosts a large Myanmar refugee population, including more than 126,000 Rohingya, while the first return programme is expected to involve nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals. It remains unclear how many Rohingya will be included in the first group.
The civil society organizations said the planned returns were taking place against the backdrop of continuing conflict and displacement in Myanmar. Doctors Without Borders has separately called on Malaysia to halt the September 29 returns, saying there is an urgent need for greater transparency over the people being sent back and warning of the risks they could face.
Malaysia had about 193,800 refugees from Myanmar as of February, according to UN figures cited by Reuters. The Malaysian government has also said Myanmar agreed to receive 5,000 refugees, without specifying how many of them are Rohingya.
Anwar has said he plans to invite Min Aung Hlaing to Malaysia as part of efforts to advance the repatriation process. Rights groups have criticized the move, citing the continuing conflict and international accountability proceedings concerning Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya.
Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as an ethnic group. Its authorities have previously maintained that military operations in Rakhine State were launched in response to attacks by armed groups.
Large numbers of Rohingya fled Myanmar during the military crackdown in 2017, while thousands continue to attempt dangerous journeys by sea and land in search of safety. The ongoing fighting in Rakhine has further complicated prospects for a safe and sustainable return.
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