Myanmar's ethnic Chin Refugees protest in Malaysia, accuse UNCHR of mistreatment

Hundreds of ethnic Chin refugees from Myanmar protested in Kuala Lumpur on September 26, 2024, accusing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of mistreatment and failure to provide adequate protection.

The protesters, part of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, demanded quicker processing of asylum applications and more immediate attention to their needs.

The Chin community, a predominantly Christian ethnic group in Myanmar, has faced decades of persecution and conflict.

Many have fled to Malaysia seeking safety. According to UN figures, about 27,250 ethnic Chin refugees and asylum-seekers are currently registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, but James Bawl Thang Bik, chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, claims that thousands remain unregistered.

The protesters highlighted delays in refugee status determinations, with some waiting years for a decision.

This delay, coupled with Malaysia’s non-recognition of refugees, leaves many vulnerable to arrest and exploitation.

Refugees in Malaysia are barred from legal work and education, though many resort to informal jobs, exposing them to abuse by employers.

UNHCR registration provides some protection, but many ethnic Chin asylum-seekers are still waiting for documentation that grants access to health care and safety.

James Bawl Thang Bik also expressed concern for former Myanmar soldiers and police officers who fled to Malaysia after refusing to serve under Myanmar's military junta following the 2021 coup.

Some of these individuals are now detained due to lack of UNHCR documentation, and their deportation could put their lives in danger. Bik urged the UNHCR to prioritize these cases, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.

In response to the protest, the UNHCR acknowledged the challenges faced by refugee communities in Malaysia, where refugees lack legal status, but stated it is doing its best to protect and assist vulnerable populations.

The UN agency also denied reports of mistreatment by its security guards, stating that no complaints had been filed. However, Bik dismissed the denial, insisting that complaints of abuse had been raised multiple times.

The situation in Malaysia is further complicated by the government's non-signatory status to the UN refugee convention, leaving refugees without official legal recognition.

This has made it difficult for many to access essential services such as medical care, leaving some with serious health conditions untreated.

The protest underscores the ongoing struggle of refugees in Malaysia, where limited legal protections and delays in asylum processing continue to place vulnerable populations at risk.

The Alliance of Chin Refugees is calling on the UNHCR to expedite its processes and provide greater protection for those fleeing persecution.

Additionally, UNICEF has expressed concern over reports of severe abuse of children in Malaysian welfare homes, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and protective measures for vulnerable minors.

UNICEF praised local authorities for their efforts in rescuing affected children and called for continued vigilance to prevent further exploitation and neglect.

The UNHCR and UNICEF are both committed to working with Malaysian authorities to address these issues and ensure better protections for refugees and children in the country.