Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees, including children, despite safety concerns

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Malaysia repatriates approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals amid safety warnings

   Malaysia began deporting Myanmar nationals, including children, on Tuesday, September 29, as part of a repatriation programme. Between 1,476 and 1,500 individuals were returned under a bilateral deal, despite warnings from the United Nations refugee agency and various human rights groups regarding unsafe conditions in Myanmar. While some reports describe the programme as voluntary, the move occurs amid increasing local hostility toward Rohingya refugees and shrinking resources for support groups. International critics argue the returns send migrants back to a war zone.

   Why it matters

   Myanmar remains a conflict-affected nation following a coup five years ago, with reports of burned villages and imprisoned opponents. The Rohingya have historically sought refuge in Malaysia to escape persecution. This shift in policy indicates a move toward phased deportations despite ongoing security concerns in the home country.

   What is confirmed

   • Malaysia deported between 1,476 and 1,500 Myanmar nationals, including children, on Tuesday, September 29.
   • The repatriation occurred despite safety warnings from the United Nations and human rights organizations.
   • The returns are part of a repatriation programme and a bilateral deal.
   • The UN refugee agency expressed concern over the returns to Myanmar.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Refugees too afraid to leave home are now too poor to stay inside.
   • The deportations are occurring amid increasing local hostility towards the Rohingya.

   What to watch next

   • Further phases of the deportation programme
   • Official response from the Myanmar government regarding the returnees
   • UN reports on the safety and treatment of repatriated individuals upon arrival
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. Reuters — Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns
   2. BBC — Malaysia begins controversial repatriation of asylum seekers to Myanmar
   3. Bloomberg.com — Malaysia Begins Repatriating Group of Myanmar Nationals: AFP
   4. The New York Times — The Migrants Being Shipped Back to a War Zone
   5. AP News — Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite safety warnings by UN and rights groups
   6. Al Jazeera — Malaysia gave refuge to Rohingya; now it wants them to go
   7. dw.com — Malaysia repatriates Myanmar migrants despite UN warnings
   8. Yahoo — Malaysia sends Rohingya back to Myanmar, Andy Burnham lays out vision for Labour Party, Indians protest over women’s safety
   9. The Guardian — Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite warnings from UN and rights groups
   10. reuters.com — UN refugee agency concerned by Malaysia returns to Myanmar
   11. www.straitstimes.com — Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees, including children, despite safety concerns
   12. www.ksat.com — Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite safety warnings by UN and rights groups
   confidence 95%