Suhakam wants govt to help refugees

KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with World Refugee Day, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is standing firm with 68 million refugees worldwide.
While criticising the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council over its failure to end the conflicts and wars in many countries, resulting in the extraordinary influx of refugees into other nations, the commission was, however, hopeful the new Malaysian Government would do more for them.
Its chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail (pix) said many of the refugees were from Yemen, Syria, Palestine and Myanmar who made their way to many countries, including Malaysia
Suhakam also welcomed the new Malaysian Government's commitment and promise to ensure refugees were given the 'right to work' in the country, he said.
Doing so, would reduce the nation's need for foreign workers and "reduce the risk of refugee involvement in criminal and illegal activities".
With efficient implementation over a long period of time, the Malaysian Government would provide a framework in managing and processing refugees in Malaysia, said Suhakam.
It also urged the government to join the 1951 Convention on Refugee Status and at the same time, all Asean governments were also encouraged to do the same in the spirit of mutual and shared responsibility in the region.
"Suhakam does not agree with the notion that their participation will lead to a greater inflow of refugees, as well as the notion that the provision of human rights for refugees such as education and employment, will lead to an increase in the number of refugees in Malaysia," said Razali. — Bernama