By Arakan Journal Staff – October 1, 2026
GENEVA – A United Nations expert has called on Malaysia to halt the ongoing repatriation of Myanmar nationals, warning that returning people to a country still affected by armed conflict and serious human rights violations could expose them to further danger.
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar also condemned the Myanmar military’s latest airstrikes against civilians, saying the attacks demonstrate the continuing risks faced by people inside the country.
In a statement issued on October 1, the UN expert urged Malaysian authorities to suspend repatriations while conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe.
The call comes amid continuing fighting and violence across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, where the conflict has further complicated prospects for the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and other countries.
The UN expert also expressed alarm over reports of recent Myanmar military airstrikes that have caused civilian deaths and injuries.
The statement emphasized that civilians continue to bear the consequences of the conflict, while accountability for alleged violations remains limited.
The situation has particular significance for Rohingya refugees, who have faced decades of persecution, displacement, and violence in Myanmar. More than one million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh after fleeing successive waves of violence, including the mass displacement that began in 2017.
UN agencies and human rights experts have repeatedly stressed that any eventual return of Rohingya refugees must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable, with conditions that allow refugees to return without facing persecution or renewed violence.
The UN expert’s latest warning comes as Malaysia continues to host a significant population of refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar, including Rohingya.
The expert urged Malaysia to uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure that people are not returned to situations where they could face serious risks to their safety and fundamental rights.
The statement also called for greater international action to address ongoing violence in Myanmar and to protect civilians from further attacks.
Arakan Journal will continue to monitor developments concerning Rohingya refugees, Arakan (Rakhine State), and the regional response to the crisis.
Leave a Reply