Rohingya rights group appeals against deportation of asylum seekers

The Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization in Malaysia (Merhrom) today appealed to the government to stop the deportation of some 150 asylum seekers, urging Asean to find a solution for Myanmar nationals seeking protection in countries in the region. 

In a statement, Merhrom president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani said the situation in Myanmar was still "very bad", citing ongoing killing, rape, torture and arrest by the military junta. 

"We would like to reiterate that refugees are not a threat to any country. We were forced to flee war, genocide and persecution back home and seek refuge in the countries we believe can protect our faith and lives while the international community intervenes to end war and genocide in our countries," he said. 

He also hit out at the United Nations and what he described as "super power countries" for not doing more to stop war and conflict around the world, speculating that they did not want to do so for their own interests. 

"We are very much frustrated to see the United Nations as the most mandated body in the world fail to stop the genocide agaist minority Rohingya in Myanmar," he said.

"We hope for the super power countries to use their influence to increase action to Myanmar military to stop the genocide against stateless Rohingya but our lives do not matter to them."

It was reported earlier this week that Malaysia had deported 150 Myanmar nationals this month, including former navy officers seeking asylum.

Reuters also quoted sources who said there were plans to send back more despite the risk of arrest they faced at home.

Zafar said having a "clear and comprehensive" refugee policy would benefit both asylum seekers and host countries. 

"While the United Nations and world leaders highlight the refugee issues around the world, the plight of Rohingya refugees are always left behind," he added. 

"We are the forgotten ones although the United Nations itself categorises the Rohingya as the most persecuted ethnicity in the world."

Adding that there appeared to be no political will to intervene in the plight of the Rohingya, he called for increased action against the Myanmar military.

"The United Nations and the super power countries must work towards reducing war and conflict around the world rather than looking for more budgets to cope with the increased numbers of refugees," he said.