SUHAKAM wants Putrajaya to uphold the principles of leaving no one behind, by ensuring refugees are included in the national vaccination programme and provided safe spaces to receive it.

In a statement, the commission urged the government to adopt comprehensive, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and long-term refugee protection policies in the country.

It also called upon the government to maintain its international leadership to identify lasting solutions to the longstanding refugee issues in Southeast Asia by cooperating with Asean, United Nations, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, among others.

“Suhakam appeals to Malaysians to understand the unfortunate circumstances faced by refugees, who are forced to flee from their home country to our shores, seeking a temporary place for their safety and survival.

“Malaysians, as a whole, should undertake to ensure the refugee community in the country is treated with dignity and have their basic needs met, ultimately leading to a more humane, just, inclusive, and equal society,” the commission said in the statement commemorating World Refugee Day today.

World Refugee Day is commemorated on June 20 annually, to remind and honour the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

“Suhakam supports this year’s theme ‘Together we heal, learn and shine’, reminding us that the world cannot overcome Covid-19 if it overlooks refugees, or anyone for that matter, as no one is safe until everyone is safe.”

According to the data from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia, as of May 2021, there are 179,570 registered refugees and asylum-seekers, of 45,980 of them are children below the age of 18.

Their vulnerabilities remain, as their access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, and social protection are still not a given, even for UNHCR cardholders.

“We recognise the need for cooperation among UNHCR in Malaysia, government agencies and civil society groups whose combined efforts would allow for refugees to receive the care they need and protection they seek.” – June 20, 2021.