Visiting to Semeyih Detention Camp

Yesterday we visited to Semeyih detention camp. I think it was my ten times to there. We arrived at 2 pm but there were crowded of people. We waited until 3:30 pm to see our relatives. I saw in the notice board " Monday to Thursday 8:300 am to 4:30 pm. Actually they said when 3:30pm "today quota is full." Fortunately we could get inside of the gate. One of my friend was allowed to see two of our relatives. When my turn arrived they asked me where was my passport. I told them I haven't any passport except my UNHCR card. The guard said to me if so we could arrest you. I replied that of course you could but you should understand our severe living situation in Myanmar and Malaysia. They didn't arrest me and they didn't let me go in. Even tough I requested many times to see my closed relatives. At last I passed my some money to my foreigner friend to give to my relatives. She was allowed to see some of our brothers. One of my friend who had been waiting before we arrived had no chance to see his cousin. He complained that why some people could see their relatives and I was not allowed to see them. The guard said to him if you want to see your cousin brother please come back tomorrow morning at 8 am. When we came back we discussed about the funniest situation of refugees. Some are released at detention camps and prisons. Every day some of refugees are still arrested by RELA, police and Immigration officers too. I was so sorry for our refugee situation in Malaysia. We cannot help each other even though we want to help our people. My visiting to Semeyih detention camp was very weary and disappointed for me.

Reveived 500 RM from Denmark

It is good news that yesterday we received 500 RM cash from one of the Dai brother in Denmark. Mr.Ha Hung Thang who has resettled to Denmark came and visited Dai Community in Malaysia 2009 March. He learned that what DCM is working for,the situation of DCM and Dai refugees in Malaysia. His wife Mr.Kee Bawn is still in Malaysia as refugee and waiting for family reunification process. One of UNHCR officer said that he will help her for new UNHCR registration next year March, because of Malaysia UNHCR laws and procedures. It is the second time we received cash money from Dai brothers who lived in Europen country. The first time we received 1500 RM from Mr.Thang Ling Kee, Mr.Bu Thang and Mr.Thang Ling Bu from Norway. Thank you so much for all of your great concern and contribution to DCM.

CHRO: UNHCR To Take Immediate Action Against Abuses In Malaysia

Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO) has urged Kuala Lumpur-based UNHCR to take immediate action on behalf of detained Chin refugees and asylum seekers against the ongoing mistreatment and abuses inflicted upon migrants from Burma by the Malaysian authorities.

The Malaysian authorities have been criticised for its continuation of conducting raids and ‘bad treatment’ on refugees in Malaysia despite a recent report Trafficking and Extortion of Burmese Migrants in Malaysia and Southern Thailand by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, documenting and disclosing the 'ill-treatment and rough handling' against the migrants.

CHRO’s report last Friday said: "The report findings include the involvement of Malaysian officials in the arrest, detention, and extortion of Burmese migrants and refugees; mistreatment of detainees in detention facilities, including whippings and torture; and the transfer of Burmese migrants and refugees to traffickers for payment. Burmese migrants and refugees in the hands of traffickers are subject to further extortion and mistreatment and are at risk of being sold into the fishing or sex industry."

The report is based on a one-year investigation by the Senate Committee and includes information provided by NGOs, including CHRO, as well as first-hand testimony from trafficking victims. Salai Bawi Lian Mang, Executive Director of CHRO, said: “Chin refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia have long been subject to abuse and exploitation by Malaysian officials and their operatives. We appreciate this initiative by the U.S. government and hope it will put pressure on the Malaysian government to act responsibly towards migrants and refugees living within its borders.”

The Malaysian authorities rounded up and detained some 300 migrants, including small children, during raids in the Imbi neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur late Wednesday night. Over 100 Chin refugees and asylum seekers are among those arrested, including 14 children and two pregnant women. The authorities have been conducting similar raids throughout the city with increasing frequency during this past month.

The 106 Chin refugees and asylum seekers caught up in the raids earlier this week are currently being held in Bukit Jali police station. Kennedy Lal Ram Lian, coordinator of the Chin Refugee Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia said: “No one has been released, not even UNHCR card holders.” More than 10 Chin detainees are UNHCR-recognized refugees awaiting resettlement to a third country. If they are deported to the border, they are at risk of being sold to traffickers.

The Chin community represents one of the largest refugee communities from Burma living in Malaysia. For more than ten years, the Chin people have fled to Malaysia to escape persecution, torture, and severe oppression in Burma. In Malaysia they are they are the constant target of harassment, arrest, detention, and deportation by the Malaysian authorities. They are unable to work, receive an education, access healthcare services, or find acceptable living accommodations.