Report Introduction:
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) completed an international fact-finding mission in Malaysia from 18 – 24 January 2007. The mission was assisted by its member organisation in Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram). In particular, the mission was assisted by Ms. Koula Koumis, a Suaram volunteer, who accompanied the mission to many meetings, assisted in facilitating and briefing the mission members for meetings with refugee groups and worked tirelessly to confirm arrangements. Koula died tragically in a road traffic accident on 4 March 2007 in Kuala Lumpur. This report is dedicated to her and to the impact she made on the lives and human rights of so many people.
The objective of the mission was to investigate the situation of undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. Its main focus was on the provisions of the Immigration Act and the process of enforcement of immigration laws and policies. The conditions of detention in the immigration depots and the process of removal of persons who contravene the Immigration Act were also addressed. It was not intended to cover issues such as the working conditions of documented and undocumented workers, assess the claims of persons to protection under the Geneva Refugee Convention or deal with the questions relating to trafficking in persons in any depth. Bymeeting with a range of actors at the national level, the mission sought to gather information provided by those individuals and groups on these issues and to use this information provided as a basis for formulating recommendations in order to guide Malaysia developing and strengthening its human rights protections for these vulnerable groups and remedy shortcomings in the current system.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Undocumented migrants and refugees in Malaysia:Raids, Detention and Discrimination
Bangladesh Border Security Force Changes Tactics Against Burmese Muslims
Narinjara
Teknaf, 25 March 2008
Bangladesh Border Security Force Changes Tactics Against Burmese Muslims
Bangladesh border security forces have for the last few months been using a new tactic against Muslim migrants from Burma who attempt to enter Bangladesh territory, said a merchant from Teknaf.
In the past, Bangladesh border security forces would take migrants into custody for illegally entering Bangladesh territory and would send them to prison for processing.
Recently, border forces have been avoiding arresting the Burmese Muslim migrants they encounter, and have instead been pushing them back to Burma.
The merchant said that a five-member family from Buthidaung Township in Arakan State faced this new tactic on Saturday when they encountered a Bangladesh Rifles team as they were entering Bangladesh territory through Sapuri Island in the Naff River.
The family, including two minors, was being led by Nobi Hussan and entered Bangladesh to seek asylum as refugees, but was pushed back into Burma by the BDR forces.
Recently, many Muslim families from Burma have faced similar action by Bangladesh authorities when trying to enter Bangladesh without documents to seek refuge.
Nearly 1,000 Burmese nationals, mainly Muslims from Arakan State, are currently being detained in several Bangladesh prisons for illegally entering Bangladesh.
After being arrested, Bangladesh authorities are unable to deport them because the Burmese authority refuses to accept them on claims that they are not Burmese citizens.
It is because of these difficulties in repatriating undocumented Burmese migrants through normal channels that Bangladesh border security forces have likely switched to this new tactic of pushing them back across the border without arresting them, the merchant said. #
Teknaf, 25 March 2008
Bangladesh Border Security Force Changes Tactics Against Burmese Muslims
Bangladesh border security forces have for the last few months been using a new tactic against Muslim migrants from Burma who attempt to enter Bangladesh territory, said a merchant from Teknaf.
In the past, Bangladesh border security forces would take migrants into custody for illegally entering Bangladesh territory and would send them to prison for processing.
Recently, border forces have been avoiding arresting the Burmese Muslim migrants they encounter, and have instead been pushing them back to Burma.
The merchant said that a five-member family from Buthidaung Township in Arakan State faced this new tactic on Saturday when they encountered a Bangladesh Rifles team as they were entering Bangladesh territory through Sapuri Island in the Naff River.
The family, including two minors, was being led by Nobi Hussan and entered Bangladesh to seek asylum as refugees, but was pushed back into Burma by the BDR forces.
Recently, many Muslim families from Burma have faced similar action by Bangladesh authorities when trying to enter Bangladesh without documents to seek refuge.
Nearly 1,000 Burmese nationals, mainly Muslims from Arakan State, are currently being detained in several Bangladesh prisons for illegally entering Bangladesh.
After being arrested, Bangladesh authorities are unable to deport them because the Burmese authority refuses to accept them on claims that they are not Burmese citizens.
It is because of these difficulties in repatriating undocumented Burmese migrants through normal channels that Bangladesh border security forces have likely switched to this new tactic of pushing them back across the border without arresting them, the merchant said. #
Hundreds of Burmese Migrants Rounded Up in Malaysia
Hundreds of Burmese illegal migrant workers were rounded up on Saturday by Malaysia’s “People’s Volunteer Corps,” the feared RELA.
The Burma Workers’ Rights Protection Committee (BWRPC) said the Burmese, who included individuals recognized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were among more than 500 undocumented migrants arrested in a RELA crackdown. They included some 200 Rohingya refugees, pregnant women and about 50 children who were participating in basic education classes organized by the UNHCR.
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The Burma Workers’ Rights Protection Committee (BWRPC) said the Burmese, who included individuals recognized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were among more than 500 undocumented migrants arrested in a RELA crackdown. They included some 200 Rohingya refugees, pregnant women and about 50 children who were participating in basic education classes organized by the UNHCR.
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Solidarity Statement with the Movement of Tibetans led by Dalai Lama
Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF)
Arakan -Burma
Ref: 08/RYDF-ST/002
Date: March 25, 2008
Solidarity Statement with the Movement of Tibetans led by Dalai Lama
We, at the Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), Arakan-Burma would like to express our whole-hearted solidarity with the movement of Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibet's exile community.
The Tibet’s people have rights to enjoy their freedom in their respective territory. We support the call of Ms. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, to denounce China in the wake of its crackdown in Tibet.
Arakan -Burma
Ref: 08/RYDF-ST/002
Date: March 25, 2008
Solidarity Statement with the Movement of Tibetans led by Dalai Lama
We, at the Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), Arakan-Burma would like to express our whole-hearted solidarity with the movement of Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibet's exile community.
The Tibet’s people have rights to enjoy their freedom in their respective territory. We support the call of Ms. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, to denounce China in the wake of its crackdown in Tibet.
Statement on MP U Kyaw Min’s 3 years imprisonment completion
Press Release
Ref: 02/2008
Date: March 16, 2008
Statement on MP U Kyaw Min’s 3 years imprisonment completion
We, an alliance of 6- political parties of the ethnic Rohingyas of Burma in overseas namely, the Arakan Rohingya Organization – Japan (JARO), the National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR –exile) USA (HQ), World Rohingya Congress (WRO) in USA, Burmese Rohingya Association in United Arab Emirates (BRA – UAE), Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), and National Council for Rohingyas in Malaysia (NCR) strongly demand to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) military government in Burma for the immediate and unconditional release of U Kyaw Min @ Mohammad Shamsul Anwarul Hoque along with his family members on this day of March 17, 2008 which marks the completion of 3 years prison sentence in the notorious jail of Burma.
Ref: 02/2008
Date: March 16, 2008
Statement on MP U Kyaw Min’s 3 years imprisonment completion
We, an alliance of 6- political parties of the ethnic Rohingyas of Burma in overseas namely, the Arakan Rohingya Organization – Japan (JARO), the National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR –exile) USA (HQ), World Rohingya Congress (WRO) in USA, Burmese Rohingya Association in United Arab Emirates (BRA – UAE), Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), and National Council for Rohingyas in Malaysia (NCR) strongly demand to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) military government in Burma for the immediate and unconditional release of U Kyaw Min @ Mohammad Shamsul Anwarul Hoque along with his family members on this day of March 17, 2008 which marks the completion of 3 years prison sentence in the notorious jail of Burma.
Statement on the SPDC Announcement on Referendum
Press Release
Ref: 03/2008
Date: March 16, 2008
Statement on the SPDC Announcement on Referendum
We, at the six-party alliance of the ethnic Rohingyas of Burma in exile totally reject the Announcements No 1/2008 and 2/2008 and Declaration No 3/2008 unilaterally released by the State Peace & Development Council (SPDC) and condemns their undemocratic elements against the will of all Burmese people. The SPDC has been trying to install additional militarized system in the country through its continuous dictatorial policy. Mention may be made here that the SPDC has never contributed to national reconciliation or national unity.
So, we, at the alliance hereby declare the following as our firm position:
The Alliance sees this Constitutional Referendum is a dirty trick played by SPDC which desperately tries to push Burmese people into a dilemma position where there is no choice for Burmese people except to dance along with the dirty tune played by regime;
The SPDC’s state constitution does not reflect the will of the political parties, which contested in the 1990 general elections, or that of the ethnic minority leaders, or the people like Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Shan, Rohingya, Pa-o, Palaung, Naga, Kuki etc. So, the alliance totally denounces it.
The Alliance express its firm decision to commit ourselves to work together with all the people in strongly opposing the SPDC's state constitution as well as all the phases of its "roadmap" which are attempts to ratify its state constitution.
The Rohingya Alliance strongly condemn this constitutional referendum as a dirty trick of SPDC and the alliance also would like to advise all Rohingya Arakanese people as well as all other ethnic nationalities of Burma to demonstrate their objection by all means towards such kind of constitutional referendum immediately in order to more pressure upon the SPDC to respect the will of all people of Burma which demand a meaningful tripartite dialogue to pave the way of national reconciliation.
The Rohingya Alliance strongly urges SPDC to abandon its dirty and undemocratic trick at once and to go into meaningful dialogue with sincere intention without further delay with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, political forces and ethnic nationalities that only to step forward for a real change into genuine federalism.
The arrogant attitude of the SPDC military junta to disregard the international call especially, the suggestion of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Burma, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari to amend the Constitution for accommodation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the political process and SPDC planned national election in 2010 roughly tarnishing the image of the country and people of Burma in the comity of the nation’s of the world.
The Alliance request to the international community, especially our neighboring countries, including China, India and ASEAN, to mediate a tripartite negotiation among the SPDC, the 1990 election winning party led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the representatives of ethnic minority nationalities that only to bring peace and stability not only in Burma but also in the region.
Member organizations of the Alliance are:
National Democratic Party for Human Rights (exile) Headquarters, USA
Arakan Rohingya Organization-Japan (JARO)
Burmese Rohingya Association in United Arab Emirates (BRA-UAE)
Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), Arakan-Burma
World Rohingya Congress (WRC), USA
National Council for Rohingyas (NRC), Malaysia
For media contact: -
Salim Ullah (Japan) Tel: +81-276-73-8079
Kyaw Soe Aung (USA) Tel: + 414 736 4273
Ref: 03/2008
Date: March 16, 2008
Statement on the SPDC Announcement on Referendum
We, at the six-party alliance of the ethnic Rohingyas of Burma in exile totally reject the Announcements No 1/2008 and 2/2008 and Declaration No 3/2008 unilaterally released by the State Peace & Development Council (SPDC) and condemns their undemocratic elements against the will of all Burmese people. The SPDC has been trying to install additional militarized system in the country through its continuous dictatorial policy. Mention may be made here that the SPDC has never contributed to national reconciliation or national unity.
So, we, at the alliance hereby declare the following as our firm position:
The Alliance sees this Constitutional Referendum is a dirty trick played by SPDC which desperately tries to push Burmese people into a dilemma position where there is no choice for Burmese people except to dance along with the dirty tune played by regime;
The SPDC’s state constitution does not reflect the will of the political parties, which contested in the 1990 general elections, or that of the ethnic minority leaders, or the people like Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Shan, Rohingya, Pa-o, Palaung, Naga, Kuki etc. So, the alliance totally denounces it.
The Alliance express its firm decision to commit ourselves to work together with all the people in strongly opposing the SPDC's state constitution as well as all the phases of its "roadmap" which are attempts to ratify its state constitution.
The Rohingya Alliance strongly condemn this constitutional referendum as a dirty trick of SPDC and the alliance also would like to advise all Rohingya Arakanese people as well as all other ethnic nationalities of Burma to demonstrate their objection by all means towards such kind of constitutional referendum immediately in order to more pressure upon the SPDC to respect the will of all people of Burma which demand a meaningful tripartite dialogue to pave the way of national reconciliation.
The Rohingya Alliance strongly urges SPDC to abandon its dirty and undemocratic trick at once and to go into meaningful dialogue with sincere intention without further delay with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, political forces and ethnic nationalities that only to step forward for a real change into genuine federalism.
The arrogant attitude of the SPDC military junta to disregard the international call especially, the suggestion of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Burma, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari to amend the Constitution for accommodation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the political process and SPDC planned national election in 2010 roughly tarnishing the image of the country and people of Burma in the comity of the nation’s of the world.
The Alliance request to the international community, especially our neighboring countries, including China, India and ASEAN, to mediate a tripartite negotiation among the SPDC, the 1990 election winning party led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the representatives of ethnic minority nationalities that only to bring peace and stability not only in Burma but also in the region.
Member organizations of the Alliance are:
National Democratic Party for Human Rights (exile) Headquarters, USA
Arakan Rohingya Organization-Japan (JARO)
Burmese Rohingya Association in United Arab Emirates (BRA-UAE)
Rohingya Youth Development Forum (RYDF), Arakan-Burma
World Rohingya Congress (WRC), USA
National Council for Rohingyas (NRC), Malaysia
For media contact: -
Salim Ullah (Japan) Tel: +81-276-73-8079
Kyaw Soe Aung (USA) Tel: + 414 736 4273
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