Malaysia says will not repatriate Rohingya refugees if lives are at risk

A Malaysian government spokesperson said on Wednesday that 5,000 refugees would not be sent back if their lives were at risk, but preparations for repatriation are continuing. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced last week that the Myanmar military junta had agreed to accept 5,000 Rohingya refugees. The announcement has raised concerns among human rights groups, with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Minister Fahmi Fadzil stating at a press conference that as a responsible nation, refugees would not be sent back if their lives were at risk. The Malaysian government stated that while the Myanmar military junta is ready to accept the refugees, the repatriation criteria will be carefully scrutinized. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is conducting a detailed review of issues concerning the lives of refugees. There are over 210,000 refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia, including over 120,000 Rohingya from Myanmar. More than 100 Rohingya who protested in front of the UN office prior to the repatriation plan were temporarily detained by Malaysian authorities but were released due to having valid documentation. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs has begun screening processes for 4,000 refugees in detention centers. Malaysia has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, and Rohingya rights groups are calling for the repatriation plan to be halted.