UN Voices Concern as Malaysia Begins Repatriating Thousands of Myanmar Nationals

The United Nations on Tuesday expressed concern over Malaysia's decision to begin repatriating thousands of Myanmar nationals, warning that conditions in war-torn Myanmar do not currently allow for their "safe, dignified and sustainable" return.

Malaysia on Tuesday launched the first phase of its repatriation programme, sending back approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals. The move marks the beginning of a broader plan to return around 5,000 Myanmar citizens currently held in immigration detention centres who have reportedly agreed to return voluntarily.

The programme has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which have raised concerns about the safety of those being returned amid Myanmar's ongoing conflict.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), said the agency remained deeply concerned about the repatriation.

"Because of the ongoing armed conflict, widespread violence, and serious human rights violations across Myanmar, UNHCR does not believe that current conditions allow for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and asylum seekers," Saltmarsh said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced in July that Myanmar had agreed to accept the return of 5,000 members of the persecuted Rohingya minority, a move that was widely viewed as an unusual repatriation initiative.

The announcement prompted concern from both the United Nations and international human rights organizations.

Following the criticism, Myanmar earlier this month pledged to ensure the "safe and dignified" return of its displaced citizens living abroad.

It was not immediately clear how many Rohingya were among the first group of returnees travelling to Myanmar on Tuesday.

According to UN data, about two-thirds of the nearly 190,000 Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers registered in Malaysia belong to the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Saltmarsh stressed that under international law, no one should be returned to a country where they could face persecution, torture, serious harm, or other threats to their life, liberty, or personal security.