KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia would need to be transparent if it plans to proceed with its own refugee card system, says United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews.
He also said there needs to be a willingness to engage in discussions about policy on how refugees are being treated.
“Working in concert with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for example, and making sure these policies are clear, consistent, transparent and accountable are really important steps.
“Obviously this is a Malaysian government decision and I respect that, but I also believe in the importance of there being a level of transparency and openness to partner with those who very sincerely want the best for those who are here due to no fault of their own,” he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had announced the government would issue its own refugee cards for those seeking asylum in Malaysia.
Speaking on the situation in Myanmar, Andrews described the situation there as a “human rights catastrophe”.
“They are refugees in the true meaning of the word, seeking safety beyond their own borders, for an uncertain future, including in Malaysia.
“What is clear to me is the extreme vulnerability of refugees in Malaysia. It is this very vulnerability that exposes them to further abuses,” he said.
