AN INTERNATIONAL medical humanitarian organisation has expressed concern over “arbitrary and indefinite detention” of refugees, which poses serious challenges and is a violation of international law, in Malaysia.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has emphasised to the authorities that the dignity and rights of those seeking refuge from conflict and persecution need to be upheld.
The Geneva-based body said this in reaction to reports of more than 130 undocumented migrants, including refugees, fleeing from the Bidor Detention Centre in Perak on the night of February 1.
MSF head of mission, Froukje Pelsma, said that the conditions inside such centres have had a detrimental effect on the physical and mental health of the detainees.
This most recent incident, which it said was similar to the mass escape from the Sg Bakap detention centre in April 2022, highlights once more the need to approach the plight of Rohingya people with compassion and understanding, he stressed.
“We call for collaborative effort focused on humane and sustainable solutions,” Pelsma said in a recent statement.
A total of 131 undocumented immigrants had fled from the male block of the Bidor Immigration Depot in the incident last week.
Two of them were reported to have later died in road accidents.
Of those who fled, 115 were Rohingya detainees, 15 were Myanmar nationals and one from Bangladesh.
As of yesterday, total of 91 had been successfully re-apprehended by the authorities.
MSF mobile clinics
Pelsma stressed that there are around 2,000 Rohingya refugees in detention in Malaysia who remain stateless with no recourse to obtain legal status.
“While acknowledging the complexities faced by the Malaysian authorities, we advocate for alternative solutions that ensure the well-being of refugees without resorting to indefinite detention.
“Our observations in detention centres revealed a high prevalence of health issues, including skin infections, respiratory tract infections, dental problems, and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety resulting from hopelessness and helplessness.
“These issues are exacerbated by poor living conditions, limited opportunities for personal hygiene and a lack of mental and physical stimulation,” he said.
Also known as Doctors Without Borders, MSF has been conducting mobile clinics at a number of detention centres in Malaysia since 2017.
It provides medical care, mental health support, donations of hygiene items and medicine as well as training for immigration officers.
“We have provided nearly 4,000 individual consultations in the centres,” Pelsma said.
Long-term solutions needed
In light of recent events, MSF reiterated its call for a comprehensive review of policies related to the detention of refugees.
Alternatives to detention should take into account vulnerabilities, pre-existing trauma, and health needs of refugees, Pelsma added.
MSF also commended the Malaysian government’s collaborative efforts with humanitarian organisations like itself to address healthcare concerns within detention centres.
“However, we stress the importance of transitioning from short-term measures to long-term solutions that prioritise the rights and dignity of refugees,” Pelsma stressed. “Detention should not be the default solution.
“We firmly believe that refugees, especially children, should not be detained in the first place. Refugees and asylum seekers should have access to UNHCR while in detention,” he added.
As an organisation dedicated to providing medical care to those in need, MSF called for a renewed focus on dialogue and collaboration to develop policies that safeguard the health and dignity of refugees while addressing the legitimate concerns of host countries. – The Vibes, February 7, 2024
