Malaysia Should Be Safe Haven For Refugees Says Lfl Director

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Lawyers For Liberty has weighed in on the growing debate over Malaysia's policy of intercepting and turning back boatloads of Rohingya refugees, saying that we should be a safe haven for refugees
"We view with extreme concern the act of pushing boats full of refugees back to sea, as it not only violates principles of international human rights law, but is also in conflict with Malaysia’s history of generosity and solidarity with the Rohingya people
"Malaysia, like all states, is entitled to manage their borders as they see fit, all the more so in these unprecedented times. But the measures taken must not result in shutting out asylum seekers in need of refuge, or forcing them to return to situations of danger," said LFL director Melissa Sasidaran in a statement today
"The Malaysian authorities have sought to justify these inhumane and dangerous actions citing the Covid-19 pandemic, fearing that the refugees on board could bring more cases of the disease into the country. But the risks of the pandemic can be managed without condemning refugees to languish at sea."Sasidaran criticised the actions on April 16 when the Royal Malaysian Airforce and the Royal Malaysian Navy intercepted a boat carrying over 200 Rohingya near Langkawi. Those on board were given some food and water and forced back to sea
"Malaysia has already shown that a humane approach, which is also consistent with efforts to tackle Covid-19, is possible. Around 250 Rohingya refugees who landed in Langkawi on April 5 were isolated to be tested for the virus, to ensure the protection of their health as well as that of the local population," she said
"Although Malaysia is not a state party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the government still has obligations under international human rights law, including to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement
"Like all people, refugees are entitled to their human rights, including the rights to life and health, which must be guaranteed without discrimination," said Sasidaran
She added that recent events were a sad reminder of the humanitarian crisis in 2015, when thousands died at sea as Southeast Asian nations turned their backs on the Rohingya
"While Malaysia and Indonesia did eventually accept some of the refugees, the deaths and suffering that took place as a result of pushback policies should be viewed with regret and a resolve not to repeat mistakes of the past."She also expressed her regret that the controversy surrounding the boat push back had played a part in a backlash against the Rohingya community in Malaysia
"There has been a serious and alarming trend of open xenophobia and hatred towards this already persecuted community, including threats, abuse and hate speech. This negative sentiment towards the Rohingya has been largely fuelled by online campaigns which use fear and disinformation to incite hatred."LFL called upon the public not to be misled by unverified stories or social media posts which demonise refugees
"The Rohingya have been forced to make these dangerous journeys in search of safety because they are facing the most extreme forms of discrimination, persecution and violence in their home country, amounting to genocide and other international crimes
"Covid-19 is no excuse to abandon Malaysia’s international obligations or our history of support and kindness towards the Rohingya people and fellow human beings in need," added Sasidaran. - Mkini

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