UN expert says conditions for a safe and voluntary return to Myanmar are not in place

1 October 2026

Kelley E. Currie, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said in Geneva that she was gravely concerned by Malaysia's move to return 5,000 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, under a programme agreed with Myanmar's military authorities.
She said the conditions necessary for a safe, dignified, sustainable and genuinely voluntary return are not currently in place, and that the risk of refoulement is substantial.
She described the military's restrictions on humanitarian access and independent monitoring as severe, including at camps for displaced people in Rakhine State under military control.
The first group of 1,476 people was returned from Malaysia beginning on 29 September.
The statement also recorded that on 28 September the Myanmar military struck the India Market in Pike Thae village, Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, killing more than 50 civilians, with many more injured.
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council who serve in an individual capacity and are not United Nations staff.