Lumut:According to Anadolu Agency, the UN refugee agency has expressed concern over Malaysia's reported plans to repatriate around 1,500 Myanmar nationals. The agency emphasized that the ongoing armed conflict and widespread human rights violations in Myanmar render safe returns impossible.
UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh informed journalists in Geneva that, based on the agency's latest information, the individuals had not yet been returned to Myanmar, and last-minute appeals were in progress. Saltmarsh described the situation as "very fluid" and reiterated that current conditions in Myanmar do not allow for "safe, dignified, and sustainable returns."
Saltmarsh highlighted that international law prohibits sending individuals to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or other serious threats. He also stated that UNHCR is committed to working with the Malaysian government to develop protection measures through technical support, policy dialogue, and capacity building.
Reports from local sources indicated that dozens of buses arrived under police escort at a stadium near the Lumut naval base in northwestern Malaysia on Tuesday, preparing for the return procedures.