THE Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the UPR Process (Comango) is appalled by the proposal of National Security Council director-general Datuk Rodzi Md Saad to shut down the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Malaysia.
He labelled UNHCR’s operation a foreign interference in the country’s management of the refugee situation, saying, “When the UNHCR doesn’t refer to our authorities first, it’s as though they have no respect for our country (translated).”
We remind the director-general that in the absence of any national legal framework in Malaysia, the UNHCR is mandated to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide.
UNHCR Malaysia has operated since 1975 and cooperates with the Malaysian government and civil society partners to create a safe and secure environment for them while they are seeking temporary protection in Malaysia.
All asylum seekers and refugees undergo a rigorous screening progress to ensure the authenticity of their claim to refugee status.
Comango also reminds the director-general that as a member of the United Nations and a current member of the Human Rights Council from 2022 to 2024, Malaysia is expected to uphold human rights for all.
In fact, in Malaysia’s bid for a seat on the Human Rights Council, the country has pledged, among other things, to cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other relevant United Nations agencies towards the promotion of human rights in the country and globally.
Additionally, Malaysia has promised to implement policies and legislations that promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable groups.
Therefore, Malaysia has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of refugees, and should endeavour to work hand in hand with the UNHCR rather than calling for its closure. – The Vibes, September 10, 2022
Comango is the biggest civil society coalition of its kind in the UPR process, comprising more than 40 organisations, to engage in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations
