Non-governmental organisations in Malaysia are calling for a speedy solution to the problem faced by United Nations asylum-seekers here.
Tenaganita programme co-ordinator Florida Sandanasamy said refugees faced a problem because Malaysia did not sign the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees nor its 1967 Protocol.
She explained: "The government recognises these refugees as undocumented migrants and that is where the problem starts. Refugees are exploited because authorities themselves cannot recognise the refugee status.
"Therefore, refugees dare not go to the police station or make any reports if they have been exploited or if they have been ill-treated, to any local authority.
"We have received numerous complaints from these refugees, especially on gender-based violence such as rape, but because Malaysia does not recognise their status, they cannot go to the police."
She added Malaysia should give necessary protection to refugees, at least on a humanitarian basis.
Meanwhile, Suhakam commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam echoed Tenagnita's call to find a speedy solution for refugees in Malaysia.
Siva said Suhakam is currently working with UNHCR to give refugees in Malaysia a better livelihood.
"Suhakam has brought up this issue many times but it still remains unsolved. Even though progress has been made since we first brought it up, it is taking a very long time.
"Our main concern is the welfare of the refugees’ children. They should be able to get an education in this country. Currently, they cannot enrol themselves in school because Malaysia does not recognise their status," he said.
"We have cases where children of refugees who have been in this country for many years are still illiterate. We have to change this."
http://www.mmail.com.my/NGOs_call_for_speedy_solution_to_refugees%27_plight.aspx
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