Refugees in Malaysia A Forgotten Population

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Refugees in Malaysia A Forgotten Population"

Transcription

1 Australian Refugee Rights Alliance No Compromise on Human Rights Draft Discussion Summary Paper Refugees in Malaysia A Forgotten Population 2007 Comments Invited Author: Sern-Li Lim Contact : Eileen Pittaway Centre for Refugee Research centrefre@unsw.edu.au

2 FORGOTTEN POPULATIONS: MALAYSIA Estimate total number Refugees and Asylum Seekers 07: 155,700 Total persons registered with UNHCR 05: 44,531 (24% women, 16% children) Acehnese (Indonesian): 19,523 (2,066 Children) Rohingya Muslim (North Rakhine, Myanmar): 11,277 (3,096 Children) Burmese (Myanmar): 11,198 (4,726 Children) Filipino Muslims: 61,314 Other: 2,533 (353 Children) End of 07: estimated additional asylum seekers 11,000, total UNHCR population of concern: 111,000 The situation Malaysia is neither a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention (including its protocol) nor to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It does not have any mechanism for adjudicating asylum claims but over the years, has successfully attracted tens and thousands of refugees from all over the volatile South East Asian region. It currently hosts the second largest UNHCR RSD (Refugee Status Determination) operation in the world, after Kenya. Currently, an estimate puts the current refugee population in Malaysia at 155,700 persons, many of whom are escapees of strife and persecution from Myanmar, the Philippines and Indonesia. Refugees who escape persecution to Malaysia become naturally disadvantaged by virtue of the country s inadequate immigration and refugee mechanisms. Refugees are automatically labelled as illegal migrants and are subjected to the following Arrest without warrant by police Indefinite detention without judicial scrutiny Fines of up to 10,000 ringgit (3,000 USD) Jail terms of up to 5 years Corporal punishment 6 canes strokes across the buttocks or back Malaysia is an endorsee of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has proudly reaffirmed its commitment to it on numerous occasions. However, in practice, upholding of its principles only occur when issues are in no contention with the country s Federal Constitution. As such, refugees are unable to claim rights obligated to them if they are not recognized as refugees in the first place. Treatment of refugees is far from respectful, as cases upon cases of abuse, sexual abuse, assault, thievery, harassment, arbitrary interrogations, and the denial of medical assistance by the establishment in urban and rural environments are frequently reported. The refugees live in squalid conditions in a country which prides itself on economic prosperity (often 2

3 overcrowding in rented flats or in rural jungle camps) - in constant fear of the authorities, who conduct sporadic raids that has in some cases have resulted in death. Populations The Rohingya are a stateless people from the Arakan state of Burma that borders Bangladesh in the west. In an attempt to unite the Burmese population after a landmark victory by the National League of Democracy headed by Aung San Suu Kyi, the Rohingya were singled and made scapegoats by the brutal military regime. Largely because of their distinct ethnic history and religion, persecution is ongoing as the regime scrambles to unite an increasingly resentful population. There are currently 12,000 Rohingya refugees in Malaysia who started arriving in the early 90s. In the year 2000, the Burmese junta started persecuting yet another group of its citizens- the Chin people who are predominantly Christian. Arrest, imprisonment, torture and forced labour were carried out arbitrarily at Chin males suspected of being in league with the Chin National Front which currently seek autonomy from the brutal regime. Currently, their numbers cumulate to around 12,000. Like other Burmese populations who seek refuge in Malaysia including the Rohingya, Karen, Mon and Shan - they arrive through the porous Thai-Malaysian border, eliciting the help of paid agents who charge prices remotely affordable by refugees. In failing to settle this debt, male refugees are often sold to Thai fishermen as virtual slaves whilst the women are put into prostitution. For over the past 30 odd years, an estimated 100,000 Filipino refugees have sought safety from the conflict zones of southern Philippines in the East Malaysian state of Sabah. Many thought that due to the duration of their asylum they would have already been granted residency. That is not the case, even as many have started families whose stateless children can only identify Malaysia as home. Like the Rohingya, Chin and other Burmese refugees, are still regarded as foreigners and do not qualify for basic healthcare, legal employment and education. Government posture on the issue has been one that is vague and inconsistent extremely detrimental for the refugees psyche. Many refugees (even those with valid UNHCR documents) are currently held in detention centres in obscure locations around the country. As the public is largely unaware regarding the locations and happenings of such camps, ignorance has allowed the government to pursue the issue without much resistance. The media also portray refugees as illegal migrants, commonly associating them with anti-social behaviour, crime and disease. Several local NGOs have taken on the case but much, much more needs be done. Recommendations Malaysia - Become party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Foreign Governments - Increase repatriation commitments 3

4 - Provide adequate financial support for the initiatives recommended by the UNHCR - Ensure that conditions are created under which the Rohingya can return to Burma safely, with dignity and with their human rights guaranteed NGOs - Assist in UNHCR registration activities - Increase funding and support to UNHCR and local NGOs, particularly for mobile registration and mobile clinics to reach populations outside of the capital. - Support local NGOs in building their advocacy and networking skills and educating the public about the difference between asylum seekers and migrants. 4

5 For more information, please do not hesitate to obtain a copy of the background paper prepared by the Sern-Li Lim of the UNSW Center for Refugee Research. 5

Facts on Human Rights Violations in Burma 1997

Facts on Human Rights Violations in Burma 1997 42 HRDU Facts on Human Rights Violations in Burma 1997 1. Extra-judicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions 1.1. Background 1.2. Death in Custody 1.3. Massacres in Shan State 1.4. List of Incidents Extrajudicial

More information

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions And Recommendations 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This report provides an insight into the human rights situation of both the long-staying and recently arrived Rohingya population in Malaysia.

More information

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS As Thailand continues in its endeavour to strike the right balance between protecting vulnerable migrants and effectively controlling its porous borders, this report

More information

JOINT STATEMENT Thailand: Implement Commitments to Protect Refugee Rights End detention, forcible returns of refugees

JOINT STATEMENT Thailand: Implement Commitments to Protect Refugee Rights End detention, forcible returns of refugees JOINT STATEMENT Thailand: Implement Commitments to Protect Refugee Rights End detention, forcible returns of refugees (Bangkok, July 6, 2017) On the occasion of the United Nations High Commissioner for

More information

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TREATIES, AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATIONS AND GUIDELINES

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TREATIES, AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATIONS AND GUIDELINES Equal Only in Name BIBLIOGRAPHY INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TREATIES, AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATIONS AND GUIDELINES United Nations Treaties Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

More information

Until now, no NGO or UN agencies have been granted access to monitor the deportees back in Laos.

Until now, no NGO or UN agencies have been granted access to monitor the deportees back in Laos. Joint Statement on the Principle of Non-Refoulement and the Recent Forced Deportations of the Uighurs from Cambodia and the Lao Hmong from Thailand (Released: 14 January 2010) We, the undersigned, condemn

More information

2018 Planning summary

2018 Planning summary 2018 Planning summary Downloaded on 30/1/2018 Subregion: South East Asia Bangladesh Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar Philippines Singapore

More information

East Asia and the Pacific

East Asia and the Pacific Australia Cambodia China Democratic People s Republic of Korea Indonesia Japan Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar New Zealand Papua New Guinea Philippines Republic of Korea Singapore

More information

REFUGEE LAW IN INDIA

REFUGEE LAW IN INDIA An Open Access Journal from The Law Brigade (Publishing) Group 148 REFUGEE LAW IN INDIA Written by Cicily Martin 3rd year BA LLB Christ College INTRODUCTION The term refugee means a person who has been

More information

DRAFT REPORT. EN United in diversity EN. European Parliament 2016/2220(INI) on statelessness in South and South East Asia (2016/2220(INI))

DRAFT REPORT. EN United in diversity EN. European Parliament 2016/2220(INI) on statelessness in South and South East Asia (2016/2220(INI)) European Parliament 2014-2019 Committee on Foreign Affairs 2016/2220(INI) 8.11.2016 DRAFT REPORT on statelessness in South and South East Asia (2016/2220(INI)) Committee on Foreign Affairs Rapporteur:

More information

A Fine Line between Migration and Displacement

A Fine Line between Migration and Displacement NRC: Japeen, 2016. BRIEFING NOTE December 2016 A Fine Line between Migration and Displacement Children on the Move in and from Myanmar The Myanmar context epitomises the complex interplay of migration

More information

Sanctuary in the City: Beirut Presentations of Workshops. With the support of:

Sanctuary in the City: Beirut Presentations of Workshops. With the support of: Sanctuary in the City: Beirut Presentations of Workshops With the support of: Refugee crisis framework Lebanese context Role of Local Government & Local Authorities Role of Host Community in the Protection

More information

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Australia The current legislation on trafficking in persons in Australia covers all forms of trafficking indicated in the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol. Investigations and

More information

Human Rights and Human Security in Southeast Asia

Human Rights and Human Security in Southeast Asia Human Rights and Human Security in Southeast Asia Min Shu School of International Liberal Studies Waseda University 27 November 2017 IR of Southeast Asia 1 Outline of the lecture Human rights, human security

More information

On 15 August 2005, the Government of

On 15 August 2005, the Government of East Asia and the Pacific Australia Cambodia China Democratic People s Republic of Korea Indonesia Japan Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar New Zealand Papua New Guinea Philippines

More information

MYANMAR/BANGLADESH ROHINGYAS - THE SEARCH FOR SAFETY

MYANMAR/BANGLADESH ROHINGYAS - THE SEARCH FOR SAFETY MYANMAR/BANGLADESH ROHINGYAS - THE SEARCH FOR SAFETY INTRODUCTION Thousands of Burmese Muslims from the Rakhine (Arakan) State in Myanmar, known as Rohingyas, fled into southeastern Bangladesh during the

More information

United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Eritrea

United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Eritrea United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Eritrea Submission of Jubilee Campaign USA, Inc. April 14, 2009 9689-C Main Street Fairfax, VA 22031 T: +1 (703) 503-0791 F: +1 (703) 503-0792

More information

UNHCR PRESENTATION. The Challenges of Mixed Migration Flows: An Overview of Protracted Situations within the Context of the Bali Process

UNHCR PRESENTATION. The Challenges of Mixed Migration Flows: An Overview of Protracted Situations within the Context of the Bali Process Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime Senior Officials Meeting 24-25 February 2009, Brisbane, Australia UNHCR PRESENTATION The Challenges of Mixed Migration

More information

2017 Year-End report. Operation: Thailand 25/7/2018. edit (

2017 Year-End report. Operation: Thailand 25/7/2018. edit ( 2017 Year-End report 25/7/2018 Operation: Thailand edit (http://reporting.unhcr.org/admin/structure/block/manage/block/29/configure) http://reporting.unhcr.org/print/2552?y=2017&lng=eng 1/7 People of Concern

More information

TRAPPED THE EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS IN MALAYSIA. Index: ASA 28/006/2010 Amnesty International March 2010

TRAPPED THE EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS IN MALAYSIA. Index: ASA 28/006/2010 Amnesty International March 2010 Trapped The exploitation of migrant workers in Malaysia 1 TRAPPED THE EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS IN MALAYSIA Index: ASA 28/006/2010 Amnesty International March 2010 2 (((Demand Dignity))) Amnesty

More information

Refugees from Burma. 3 rd APCRR, BKK, Thailand. By Victor Biak Lian

Refugees from Burma. 3 rd APCRR, BKK, Thailand. By Victor Biak Lian Refugees from Burma 3 rd APCRR, BKK, Thailand By Victor Biak Lian Victor Biak Lian Secretary, Strategic Department of Ethnic Nationalities Council (Union of Burma) Board of Directors (Chin Human Rights

More information

THAILAND. Overview. Working environment. People of concern

THAILAND. Overview. Working environment. People of concern THAILAND Overview Working environment UNHCR s planned presence 2014 Number of offices 5 Total personnel 121 International staff 17 National staff 57 JPOs 4 UN Volunteers 8 Others 35 The context of reforms

More information

Migration and Ethnicity and Rohingyas in Southeast Asia (13 October 2015) Htike Htike, Equal Harmony Together (EHT)

Migration and Ethnicity and Rohingyas in Southeast Asia (13 October 2015) Htike Htike, Equal Harmony Together (EHT) Migration and Ethnicity and Rohingyas in Southeast Asia (13 October 2015) Htike Htike, Equal Harmony Together (EHT) Arakan/Rakhine State Located in western Burma/Myanmar Different ethnic groups, Buddhist

More information

AMENDMENTS EN United in diversity EN. European Parliament Draft report Amjad Bashir (PE v01-00)

AMENDMENTS EN United in diversity EN. European Parliament Draft report Amjad Bashir (PE v01-00) European Parliament 2014-2019 Committee on Foreign Affairs 2016/2220(INI) 15.12.2016 AMDMTS 1-139 Draft report Amjad Bashir (PE593.827v01-00) Statelessness in South and South East Asia (2016/2220(INI))

More information

2009 NGOS AND RESETTLEMENT ADVOCACY

2009 NGOS AND RESETTLEMENT ADVOCACY Australian Refugee Rights Alliance No Compromise on Human Rights 2009 NGOS AND RESETTLEMENT ADVOCACY Comments Invited Dr Graham Thom, Amnesty International Alexandra Pagliaro, Amnesty International Available

More information

The breakdown of negotiations between the Government

The breakdown of negotiations between the Government Australia Brunei Darussalam Cambodia China Indonesia Japan Malaysia Mongolia New Zealand Papua New Guinea Republic of Korea Singapore South Pacific Thailand The Philippines Timor-Leste Viet Nam Major developments

More information

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Youth Co:Lab Challenge Kit: Income Generation for Undocumented Persons 1. An undocumented person is unable to provide the documents (e.g. birth certificate, national

More information

SOUTH-EAST ASIA. A sprightly 83 year-old lady displaced by Typhoon Haiyan collects blankets for her family in Lilioan Barangay, Philippines

SOUTH-EAST ASIA. A sprightly 83 year-old lady displaced by Typhoon Haiyan collects blankets for her family in Lilioan Barangay, Philippines SOUTH-EAST ASIA 2013 GLOBAL REPORT Bangladesh Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Viet Nam A sprightly 83 year-old

More information

India Nepal Sri Lanka

India Nepal Sri Lanka India Nepal Sri Lanka A refugee from Myanmar s northern Rakhine State shows off the pumpkin vines she has planted over her shelter in Kutupalong camp (Bangladesh). 204 UNHCR Global Appeal 2013 Update South

More information

Report on the Human Rights Situation in Burma

Report on the Human Rights Situation in Burma Report on the Human Rights Situation in Burma Network For Human Rights Documentation - Burma 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Introduction Land Investigation Committee Methodology Human Rights Violations (HRVs) Documented

More information

Update on UNHCR s operations in Asia and the Pacific

Update on UNHCR s operations in Asia and the Pacific Executive Committee of the High Commissioner s Programme 7 March 2018 English Original: English and French Standing Committee 71 st meeting Update on UNHCR s operations in Asia and the Pacific A. Situational

More information

Burmese Government Urged to Cease Assaults and Arrests of Students Protesting in Letpadan and Rangoon

Burmese Government Urged to Cease Assaults and Arrests of Students Protesting in Letpadan and Rangoon 13 March 2015 Burmese Government Urged to Cease Assaults and Arrests of Students Protesting in Letpadan and Rangoon We, the undersigned organizations, strongly condemn the latest instance of brutal and

More information

Overview of UNHCR s operations in Asia and the Pacific

Overview of UNHCR s operations in Asia and the Pacific Regional update Asia and the Pacific Executive Committee of the High Commissioner s Programme 23 September 2016 English Original: English and French Sixty-seventh session Geneva, 3-7 October 2016 Overview

More information

Cultural Orientation Resource Center, Center for Applied Linguistics Overseas CO Program Highlight. Refugees from Burma, served by IRC RSC East Asia

Cultural Orientation Resource Center, Center for Applied Linguistics Overseas CO Program Highlight. Refugees from Burma, served by IRC RSC East Asia Prepared in collaboration with IRC RSC East Asia The International Rescue Committee s (IRC) Resettlement Support Center (RSC) East Asia Cultural Orientation (CO) program provides cultural orientation to

More information

Kingdom of Thailand Universal Periodic Review 2 nd Cycle Submitted 21 September 2015

Kingdom of Thailand Universal Periodic Review 2 nd Cycle Submitted 21 September 2015 Kingdom of Thailand Universal Periodic Review 2 nd Cycle Submitted 21 September 2015 INTRODUCTION 1. The following report is submitted on behalf of Asylum Access, 1 the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network

More information

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Submission for the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (NORTH KOREA)

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Submission for the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (NORTH KOREA) UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW Submission for the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (NORTH KOREA) Submitting Organisations: Life Funds for North Korean

More information

Shan Refugees: Dispelling the Myths

Shan Refugees: Dispelling the Myths Shan Refugees: Dispelling the Myths The Shan Women's Action Network September 2003 Shan Refugees: Dispelling the Myths Released by The Shan Women's Action Network (SWAN) P O Box 120 Phrasing Post Office,

More information

BURMA. Country Policy : Sending Countries - Burma

BURMA. Country Policy : Sending Countries - Burma 51 BURMA INFO FROM IOM Capital: Nay Pyi Taw Population (2010): 50.5 million Area: 676,578 sq km Language: Myanmar (Burmese) Currency: Kyat (MMK) GDP per Capita PPP (2007): USD 904 HDI Rank (2008): 133

More information

Burma and Bangladesh: A Strategy to Combat Statelessness

Burma and Bangladesh: A Strategy to Combat Statelessness The Network for International Protection of Refugees Burma and Bangladesh: A Strategy to Combat Statelessness 14 December 2014 URL: www.netipr.org/policy/node/42 Summary: Burma presently has an estimated

More information

The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) Stakeholder Submission to the: Universal Periodic Review of The People s Republic of Bangladesh.

The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) Stakeholder Submission to the: Universal Periodic Review of The People s Republic of Bangladesh. The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) Stakeholder Submission to the: Universal Periodic Review of The People s Republic of Bangladesh 9 October 2012 The Human Rights of Stateless Rohingya in Bangladesh 1. Introduction

More information

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN BURMA AND POSSIBLE SOLLUTIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN BURMA AND POSSIBLE SOLLUTIONS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN BURMA AND POSSIBLE SOLLUTIONS Prepared by the Burma Rights Movement for Action (B.U.R.M.A) April, 1993 1 HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN BURMA AND POSSIBLE SOLLUTIONS A dictatorship is only

More information

Burma. Signs of Change, But Unclear If They Will Result in Lasting Reform

Burma. Signs of Change, But Unclear If They Will Result in Lasting Reform JANUARY 2012 COUNTRY SUMMARY Burma Burma s human rights situation remained dire in 2011 despite some significant moves by the government which formed in late March following November 2010 elections. Freedoms

More information

briefing Minorities in Burma

briefing Minorities in Burma briefing Minorities in Burma By Chizom Ekeh Who are Burma s minorities? Burma has over 100 ethnic groups, languages and dialects and is said to have the richest ethnic diversity in Asia. Such diversity

More information

MYANMAR 1988 TO 1998 HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY? ETHNIC NATIONALITIES

MYANMAR 1988 TO 1998 HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY? ETHNIC NATIONALITIES MYANMAR 1988 TO 1998 HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY? ETHNIC NATIONALITIES Introduction The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC, Myanmar s military government) has stated on numerous occasions that there

More information

BURMA S REFUGEES: REPATRIATION FOR WHOM? By Roland Watson Dictator Watch November 12, Please share.

BURMA S REFUGEES: REPATRIATION FOR WHOM? By Roland Watson Dictator Watch November 12, Please share. BURMA S REFUGEES: REPATRIATION FOR WHOM? By Roland Watson Dictator Watch November 12, 2017 Please share. http://www.dictatorwatch.org/articles/refugeerepatriation.pdf Introduction We are well over 600,000

More information

Burma. The November 2010 Elections

Burma. The November 2010 Elections January 2011 country summary Burma Burma s human rights situation remained dire in 2010, even after the country s first multiparty elections in 20 years. The ruling State Peace and Development Council

More information

Recommendations regarding the Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Recommendations regarding the Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Recommendations regarding the Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Submitted by Women s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch Trafficking in persons is a grave

More information

Bearing in mind the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2002/1299),

Bearing in mind the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2002/1299), Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar Commission on Human Rights resolution 2003/12 The Commission on Human Rights, Guided by the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

More information

Bangladesh Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Viet Nam

Bangladesh Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Viet Nam Bangladesh Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Viet Nam 254 UNHCR Global Report 2011 to survivors of Cyclone

More information

UNION OF MYANMAR long-term human rights crisis

UNION OF MYANMAR long-term human rights crisis UNION OF MYANMAR (BURMA) @A long-term human rights crisis Introduction Profound and bitter political strife continues in the Union of Myanmar (Burma), and political opponents engaged in various anti-government

More information

Examining Human Rights in the Context of ASEAN Regional Migration

Examining Human Rights in the Context of ASEAN Regional Migration Examining Human Rights in the Context of ASEAN Regional Migration Summary Report of Findings from APHR Fact-Finding Mission to Malaysia 3-7 August 2017 ASEAN PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (APHR) is

More information

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Compilation Report Universal Periodic Review: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA I. Background

More information

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. [on the report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.3)] 66/230. Situation of human rights in Myanmar

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. [on the report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.3)] 66/230. Situation of human rights in Myanmar United Nations A/RES/66/230 General Assembly Distr.: General 3 April 2012 Sixty-sixth session Agenda item 69 (c) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [on the report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.3)]

More information

Malaysia Irene Fernandez defends rights of migrant workers despite conviction

Malaysia Irene Fernandez defends rights of migrant workers despite conviction Public- December 2004 AI Index: ASA 28/015/2004 Malaysia Irene Fernandez defends rights of migrant workers despite conviction As a mother, I want to believe that the society [my children] belong to is

More information

MALAYSIA. Working environment

MALAYSIA. Working environment MALAYSIA GLOBAL APPEAL 2015 UPDATE Planned presence Number of offices 3 Total personnel 156 International staff 10 National staff 49 JPOs 3 Others 94 2015 plan at a glance* 263,700 People of concern (PoC)

More information

THAILAND. Overview. Operational highlights

THAILAND. Overview. Operational highlights 2012 GLOBAL REPORT THAILAND UNHCR s presence in 2012 Number of offices 5 Total staff 120 International staff 13 National staff 56 JPO staff 4 UNVs 8 Others 39 Partners Implementing partners Government

More information

BAHAMAS Forgotten Detainees? Refugees and Immigration Detainees: Appeals for Action

BAHAMAS Forgotten Detainees? Refugees and Immigration Detainees: Appeals for Action BAHAMAS Forgotten Detainees? Refugees and Immigration Detainees: Appeals for Action Introduction The Commonwealth of The Bahamas consists of approximately 700 islands, stretching from the coast of Florida

More information

INSTRUCTOR VERSION. Persecution and displacement: Sheltering LGBTI refugees (Nairobi, Kenya)

INSTRUCTOR VERSION. Persecution and displacement: Sheltering LGBTI refugees (Nairobi, Kenya) INSTRUCTOR VERSION Persecution and displacement: Sheltering LGBTI refugees (Nairobi, Kenya) Learning Objectives 1) Learn about the scale of refugee problems and the issues involved in protecting refugees.

More information

REPUBLIC OF KOREA I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND CURRENT CONDITIONS

REPUBLIC OF KOREA I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND CURRENT CONDITIONS Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Compilation Report - Universal Periodic Review: REPUBLIC OF KOREA I. BACKGROUND

More information

Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. For the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Compilation Report

Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. For the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Compilation Report Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees For the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Compilation Report Universal Periodic Review: LIBYA I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Libya

More information

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AUSTRALIA The current legislation on trafficking in persons in Australia covers all forms of exploitation indicated in the UN Trafficking Protocol. Between 21 and 213, 14 persons

More information

Model United Nations College of Charleston November 3-4, Humanitarian Committee: Refugee crisis General Assembly of the United Nations

Model United Nations College of Charleston November 3-4, Humanitarian Committee: Refugee crisis General Assembly of the United Nations Model United Nations College of Charleston November 3-4, 2017 Humanitarian Committee: Refugee crisis General Assembly of the United Nations Draft Resolution for Committee Consideration and Recommendation

More information

HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NOVEMBER 26, 2010 1. Introduction This report is a submission

More information

RESETTLEMENT OF BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

RESETTLEMENT OF BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC RESETTLEMENT OF BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Conference: Resettlement AUSTRIA GETS PREPARED Petr NOVÁK Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic 8 November 2010, Vienna A NEW WAY OF SUPPORT

More information

Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking (excerpt) 1

Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking (excerpt) 1 Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking (excerpt) 1 Recommended Principles on Human Rights and Human Trafficking 2 The primacy of human rights 1. The human rights of

More information

Juvenile Justice System in Myanmar with a view on cross-border safeguards for children in contact with the law

Juvenile Justice System in Myanmar with a view on cross-border safeguards for children in contact with the law Juvenile Justice System in Myanmar with a view on cross-border safeguards for children in contact with the law I. Brief Background of Juvenile Justice System (i) Main Legal Instruments relating to Juvenile

More information

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL THE ARAKAN PROJECT UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review 10 th Session of the UPR Working Group, January 2011 5 July 2010 UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

More information

Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. Monash University. Melbourne. Submission to the. Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee

Castan Centre for Human Rights Law. Monash University. Melbourne. Submission to the. Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Monash University Melbourne Submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character

More information

Singapore 4 Mar 2013.

Singapore 4 Mar 2013. ISSN 2335-6677 #11 2013 RESEARCHERS AT SINGAPORE S INSTITUTE OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES SHARE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT EVENTS Singapore 4 Mar 2013. Rohingya boat arrivals in Thailand: From the frying

More information

WORKING ENVIRONMENT UNHCR / S. SAMBUTUAN

WORKING ENVIRONMENT UNHCR / S. SAMBUTUAN WORKING ENVIRONMENT The working environment in the Asia Pacific region is unique in many respects: it covers a vast geographical area comprising 45 countries and territories and hosts one third of the

More information

Life in Exile: Burmese Refugees along the Thai-Burma Border

Life in Exile: Burmese Refugees along the Thai-Burma Border INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE June 15, 2007 Life in Exile: Burmese Refugees along the Thai-Burma Border The International Rescue Committee serves thousands of refugees and other uprooted peoples from

More information

In the Netherlands, the quality of life is very high. Yet, human rights are not always respected. 70 years after the UDHR, we highlight the Dutch

In the Netherlands, the quality of life is very high. Yet, human rights are not always respected. 70 years after the UDHR, we highlight the Dutch Art. 1 Art. 2 Art. 3 Art. 4 Art. 5 Art. 6 Right to Equality Freedom from Discrimination Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security Freedom from Slavery Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment Right

More information

CHAPTER 6: CRIMINAL DETENTION

CHAPTER 6: CRIMINAL DETENTION Unravelling Anomaly CHAPTER 6: CRIMINAL DETENTION This section looks at the criminal detention of stateless persons. Information on the criminal detention of stateless persons has never been systematically

More information

Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its seventy-sixth session, August 2016

Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its seventy-sixth session, August 2016 Advance Unedited Version Distr.: General 7 September 2016 A/HRC/WGAD/2016 Original: English Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary

More information

MINORITY CHILDREN & STATELESSNESS

MINORITY CHILDREN & STATELESSNESS COALITION ON EVERY CHILD S RIGHT TO A NATIONALITY Working together to end childhood statelessness MINORITY CHILDREN & STATELESSNESS Children most affected by statelessness are generally those belonging

More information

There were signs of a political thaw early in the year and, for the first time in

There were signs of a political thaw early in the year and, for the first time in Afghanistan/Burma 193 including programs for rebuilding civil society and civil infrastructure, among them rule of law mechanisms and educational, health, and banking systems. Relevant Human Rights Watch

More information

WORKING ENVIRONMENT. A convoy of trucks carrying cement and sand arrives at the Government Agent s office, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu district, northeast

WORKING ENVIRONMENT. A convoy of trucks carrying cement and sand arrives at the Government Agent s office, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu district, northeast WORKING ENVIRONMENT The Asia and the Pacific region is host to some 10.6 million people of concern to UNHCR, representing almost 30 per cent of the global refugee population. In 2011, the region has handled

More information

East Asia and the Pacific

East Asia and the Pacific Major developments Australia Brunei Darussalam Cambodia China Democratic People's Republic of Korea Fiji Indonesia Japan Lao People s Democratic Republic Malaysia Mongolia Nauru New Zealand Papua New Guinea

More information

REGIONAL STRATEGIC PRESENTATION SUMMARY TO 35 TH STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING (7-9 March 2006) Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

REGIONAL STRATEGIC PRESENTATION SUMMARY TO 35 TH STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING (7-9 March 2006) Bureau for Asia and the Pacific REGIONAL STRATEGIC PRESENTATION SUMMARY TO 35 TH STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING (7-9 March 2006) Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Part A. Introduction In the Asia-Pacific region, forced displacement remains

More information

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BURMA A COUNTRY REPORT

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BURMA A COUNTRY REPORT Stockholm November 2015 HUMAN RIGHTS IN BURMA A COUNTRY REPORT Introduction Burma has seen significant political and economic change after a quasi-civilian government was introduced in 2010 and almost

More information

The Rights of Non-Citizens

The Rights of Non-Citizens The Rights of Non-Citizens Introduction Who is a Non-Citizen? In the human rights arena the most common definition for a non-citizen is: any individual who is not a national of a State in which he or she

More information

20. ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES A RIGHTS BASED APPROACH

20. ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES A RIGHTS BASED APPROACH POLICY A FAIR GO FOR ALL 20. ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES A RIGHTS BASED APPROACH INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1. Australia s policies towards asylum seekers and refugees should, at all times, reflect respect

More information

HAUT-COMMISSARIAT AUX DROITS DE L HOMME OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PALAIS DES NATIONS 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND

HAUT-COMMISSARIAT AUX DROITS DE L HOMME OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PALAIS DES NATIONS 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND HAUT-COMMISSARIAT AUX DROITS DE L HOMME OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PALAIS DES NATIONS 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND Mandates of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

More information

AFGHANISTAN PROTECTION ASSESSMENT FORM

AFGHANISTAN PROTECTION ASSESSMENT FORM AFGHANISTAN PROTECTION ASSESSMENT FORM Applicant s name: Nationality: Interview date: IV Language: Marital Status P/DOB: File Number: Linked Cases: Interviewer: Interpreter: Religion: Ethnic origin: A.

More information

EU-Myanmar relations

EU-Myanmar relations Bruxelles 19/12/2017-17:06 FACTSHEETS EU-Myanmar relations The European Union has been at the forefront of the international community's reengagement with Myanmar as the country has advanced in making

More information

A/C.3/60/L.53. General Assembly. United Nations. Situation of human rights in Myanmar * * Distr.: Limited 2 November 2005.

A/C.3/60/L.53. General Assembly. United Nations. Situation of human rights in Myanmar * * Distr.: Limited 2 November 2005. United Nations General Assembly Distr.: Limited 2 November 2005 Original: English A/C.3/60/L.53 Sixtieth session Third Committee Agenda item 71 (c) Human rights questions: human rights situations and reports

More information

WORKING ENVIRONMENT REGIONAL SUMMARIES

WORKING ENVIRONMENT REGIONAL SUMMARIES REGIONAL SUMMARIES WORKING ENVIRONMENT The Asia and the Pacific region hosted approximately 3.5 million refugees, 2.7 million IDPs and 1.6 million stateless people, the largest concentration of stateless

More information

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- REMARKS AT OPEN DEBATE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON MYANMAR New York, 28 September 2017 [as delivered]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- REMARKS AT OPEN DEBATE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON MYANMAR New York, 28 September 2017 [as delivered] THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- REMARKS AT OPEN DEBATE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON MYANMAR New York, 28 September 2017 [as delivered] I welcome this opportunity to brief you on the crisis in Myanmar. On September

More information

Chronology of Policies affecting potentially Stateless Persons and Refugees in Malaysia

Chronology of Policies affecting potentially Stateless Persons and Refugees in Malaysia Chronology of Policies affecting potentially Stateless Persons and Refugees in Malaysia By Tamara Joan Duraisingam Statelessness Working Paper Series No. 2016/07 The Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion

More information

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women United Nations CEDAW/C/MYS/CO/2 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr.: General 31 May 2006 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against

More information

Myanmar s Post-Election Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Aung San Suu Kyi. An Interview with Christina Fink

Myanmar s Post-Election Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Aung San Suu Kyi. An Interview with Christina Fink interviews Myanmar s Post-Election Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Aung San Suu Kyi An Interview with Christina Fink In November 2015, Myanmar held a landmark, nationwide election in which Aung

More information

Northern Arakan/Rakhine State: a Chronic Emergency

Northern Arakan/Rakhine State: a Chronic Emergency Northern Arakan/Rakhine State: a Chronic Emergency By Chris Lewa Consultant and Coordinator of the Arakan Project Delivered at the Burma/Myanmar Forum 2006 A Conference organised by the European Institute

More information

Study Guide Special Political and Decolonization Committee

Study Guide Special Political and Decolonization Committee Study Guide Special Political and Decolonization Committee Introduction Discriminatory policies of Myanmar s government since the late 1970s have compelled hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya to flee

More information

General information on the national human rights situation, including new measures and developments relating to the implementation of the Covenant

General information on the national human rights situation, including new measures and developments relating to the implementation of the Covenant United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Distr.: General 9 November 2012 Original: English CCPR/C/AUS/Q/6 Human Rights Committee List of issues prior to the submission of the

More information

Submission of Amnesty International-Thailand on the rights to be included in the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights

Submission of Amnesty International-Thailand on the rights to be included in the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights Submission of Amnesty International-Thailand on the rights to be included in the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights February 2011 Introduction Below is a list of those human rights which Amnesty International

More information

LEXKHOJ PUBLICATIONS

LEXKHOJ PUBLICATIONS LEXKHOJ RESEARCH JOURNAL OF LAW & SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES ISSN: 2456-4524 VOLUME II ISSUE I Website:www.lexkhoj.com E-mail:lexkhoj@gmail.com LEXKHOJ PUBLICATIONS EDITORIAL NOTE Lexkhoj Publication is committed

More information

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES IN MYANMAR COUNTRY OPERATION PLAN (External Version) Part I: Executive Committee Summary

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES IN MYANMAR COUNTRY OPERATION PLAN (External Version) Part I: Executive Committee Summary UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES IN MYANMAR COUNTRY OPERATION PLAN (External Version) 2002 Part I: Executive Committee Summary (a) Context and Beneficiary Population (s): Returnees from Bangladesh

More information

summary and recommendations June 2012 Human Rights Watch 1

summary and recommendations June 2012 Human Rights Watch 1 summary and recommendations June 2012 Human Rights Watch 1 Isolated in Yunnan Kachin Refugees from Burma in China s Yunnan Province A Kachin boy outside an unrecognized refugee camp in Yunnan, China, in

More information

2016 Planning summary

2016 Planning summary 2016 Planning summary Downloaded on 24/11/2016 Operation: Egypt Location Irbid Zaatari Amman Azraq Alexandria Cairo UNHCR Information Management Unit Copyright: 20 Latest update of camps and office locations

More information

Concluding observations on the combined initial and second periodic reports of Thailand*

Concluding observations on the combined initial and second periodic reports of Thailand* United Nations Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 19 June 2015 Original: English Advance unedited version Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Concluding observations on the combined

More information