UNHCR voices concern as Malaysia returns 1,476 people to Myanmar
30 September 2026
The UN refugee agency UNHCR has voiced concern over Malaysia's decision to return 1,476 people to Myanmar. Deportation of Rohingya refugees began on Tuesday. Malaysian authorities said the process was voluntary, but those returned had been held in immigration detention. UNHCR said it did not have access to the individuals to assess their cases. It urged robust safeguards such as individual assessments and access to protection procedures.
In plain words
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — The UN agency that protects refugees and supports their return, integration or resettlement.
Rohingya Mainly Muslim ethnic minority of Myanmar — Forced to flee Rakhine state in large numbers in 2017; over a million now live in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.