WPN expresses concern over the handover of over 300,000 Rohingya from Malaysia and Bangladesh to the military junta

July 31 Mizzima. The Women Peace Network (WPN) today (July 31) issued a statement expressing extreme concern over reports that over 300,000 Rohingya refugees residing in Malaysia and Bangladesh are to be handed over to the Myanmar military junta. WPN stated that the handover of approximately 5,000 Rohingya from Malaysia and around 300,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to the military junta would constitute a violation of international law and could lead to further atrocities against the Rohingya, who are protected by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Therefore, it has called on neighboring governments to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement, refraining from forcibly returning Rohingya to conflict zones, and to continue assisting them in their safe and dignified return to Rakhine State. WPN has reported that hate speech and the spread of fake news against Rohingya are on the rise in Malaysia through the media, leading to threats and abuse against children and women, the closure of schools, and the arrest of over 100 Rohingya in front of the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, it is known that two boats carrying over 500 Rohingya, including women and children, have gone missing in the Bay of Bengal during June and July. WPN also stated that the Arakan Army (AA) has been pressuring Rohingya to leave Rakhine State in 2024. The statement also indicated that the Myanmar military junta's troops and regional criminal gangs are involved in the human trafficking of Rohingya through the sea. Consequently, WPN urges the governments of Malaysia and Bangladesh to halt forced repatriation programs, eradicate regional human trafficking networks, and take urgent measures to protect the Rohingya. Editor: Aung Kyaw Phyo