APHR urges not to send Rohingya to Myanmar military junta

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) expressed serious concern on July 30 over statements by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that Myanmar has agreed to accept approximately 5,000 Rohingya refugees residing in Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the agreement was reached after discussions and that efforts would be made to eventually accept 300,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh, calling it a success reflecting progress in diplomatic relations with the Myanmar military junta. Charles Santiago, Co-Chair of APHR and former Member of Parliament for Klang, Malaysia, said, "The Rohingya in Malaysia fled due to persecution, violence, and ethnic cleansing. If they are now sent back to the military junta, which continues to hold power, and given that conflict is still ongoing in Rakhine State, such a repatriation could constitute forced return, which is prohibited by international law." APHR pointed out that the principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental principle of international law that prohibits returning a person to a place where they may face persecution or serious danger. It also stated that the Myanmar military, which would accept the Rohingya, is the same organization responsible for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Rakhine State in 2017. Furthermore, APHR stated that due to the ongoing armed conflict in Rakhine State, the lack of citizenship rights for the Rohingya, and the continued displacement within the country, the conditions for a safe, voluntary, and dignified return are not yet in place. APHR also acknowledged the rising tensions between Rohingya refugees and the local community in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Mercy Christi Barands, an Indonesian Member of Parliament and Chair of APHR, said, "It is concerning to consider the Rohingya as a threat to public security. Refugees are not a security issue but survivors who deserve protection. Malaysia has been a sanctuary for the Rohingya, and it should not hand them over to the very organization that has persecuted them."