The future for refugees in M’sia

Legal document: In its manifesto, the government promised that refugee status would be legitimised with UNHCR cards like this card issued in 2015.

ON World Refugee Day this Thursday, June 20, 2019, we will honour the strength, courage and resilience of refugees around the globe. It is the perfect opportunity to reflect how Malaysia treats its refugees and what we need to do to ensure that they find safety, support and respect in our country.

Unfortunately, conflict, violence and persecution continue to cause people to flee their homes, often seeking safety in neighbouring countries. Malaysia hosts many such people, from Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and beyond. There are over 170,000 refugees and asylum seekers registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuala Lumpur, with many more unregistered.