Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite warnings from UN and rights groups
Malaysia has begun the repatriation of 5,000 Myanmar nationals, starting with an initial group of 1,500 people. The move has drawn criticism from the UN and human rights organizations concerned about the safety of returnees in the war-torn country.
Why it matters
The forced or voluntary return of asylum seekers to conflict zones raises significant international humanitarian and legal concerns.
A policeman walks in front of buses in Kuala Lumpur carrying Myanmar nationals being repatriated from Malaysia despite concerns for their safety in the war-torn country./Getty Images A policeman walks in front of buses in Kuala Lumpur carrying Myanmar nationals being repatriated from Malaysia despite concerns for their safety in the war-torn country./Getty Images Malaysia Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite warnings from UN and rights groups Kuala Lumpur plans to send a total of 5,000 Myanmar nationals back to the war-torn country despite persecution concerns
Prefer the Guardian on Google 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.
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