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Amnesty International Malaysia deeply regrets the statement made by Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad criticizing the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The statement made by the Minister is a gross disregard to international human rights and humanitarian principles and unbecoming of a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council member. It also undermines the work of the UNHCR in Malaysia, who is a host to many refugee populations from various countries.

Malaysia as a member of the UN Human Rights Council must show a strong commitment in upholding the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Malaysia is also a signatory to two United Nations treaties namely the Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The spirit of both the conventions is rooted in the goals of the United Nations to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person.

Forced migration and refugee flow is a global phenomena and a serious concern for the international community. Refugee protection is a fundamental right both on humanitarian and human rights grounds in recognition of the right to life and dignity.

There are many examples of conflicts such as in Palestine, Bosnia and Sudan where neighboring countries provided shelter and protection for millions of refugees. This was done with the help of United Nations agencies including the UNHCR despite not being signatory to the Refugee Convention.

Malaysia is therefore not alone or immune to migration and refugee flow, as Asia especially the South East Asian region has its share of political and humanitarian crises. Malaysia cannot close its eyes to this reality and ignore its human rights and humanitarian commitments.

The UNHCR is a UN body here to assist the government in providing assistance and protection to asylum seekers and refugees in the spirit of international solidarity and burden sharing. The UNHCR is also an important partner for the government to work with since we have yet to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Amnesty International Malaysia believes that our non-signatory status is not an excuse for the Malaysian government to ignore its international human rights and humanitarian commitments. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council and a signatory to the UN conventions, the Malaysian government has a binding obligation and must adhere to international customary laws.

Josef Roy Benedict

Executive Director

Amnesty International Malaysia

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For further information or comments please contact Josef Roy at 012-2127785

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