Malaysia has begun deporting Myanmar nationals back to their conflict-ravaged homeland, with authorities confirming the first group of detainees was sent home under a newly launched repatriation program. The government insists the returns are voluntary, though human rights organizations warn the move risks exposing migrants and asylum seekers to further danger in a country still gripped by violence. With plans to repatriate up to 5,000 individuals, the scheme comes amid rising anti-migrant tensions in Malaysia, raising concerns over the safety and consent of those being returned. Critics argue the policy may violate protections for displaced persons fleeing persecution.
Kuala Lumpur plans to send a total of 5,000 Myanmar nationals back to the war-torn country despite persecution concerns Malaysia began sending back about 1,500 Myanmar nationals on Tuesday, the government confirmed, as it launched a scheme that rights groups say may endanger migrants and asylum seekers by returning them to the war-torn country.The group is the first of 5,000 Myanmar citizens that Kuala Lumpur says agreed to “voluntary” repatriation from detention centres amid a huge uptick in anti-migrant sentiment in Malaysia. Continue reading...
