A UN expert today urged Malaysian authorities to stop the ongoing repatriation of Myanmar nationals this week, and work with the United Nations system and others to address the situation of Rohingya and other Myanmar refugees in the country in line with its obligations under international law.
“I am gravely concerned the Government of Malaysia has begun to return 5,000 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, under a so-called "voluntary repatriation program" agreed with the military authorities in Myanmar,” said Kelley E. Currie, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. “Under international law, the Government of Malaysia is obligated to uphold the principle of non-refoulement and prevent the return of individuals to situations where they face a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. In my assessment, the risk of refoulement in the present circumstances is substantial,” Currie said.
According to available information, Malaysia began repatriating the first group of 1,476 individuals on 29 September 2026.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing armed conflict in Rakhine State, the Special Rapporteur also strongly condemned another horrific airstrike by the Myanmar military on 28 September on the India Market, a crowded marketplace in Pike Thae village, Kyauktaw Township in Rakhine State. More than 50 civilians are reported to have been killed and many more injured.
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