THE government’s approval for a tracking system for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders is invasive and dehumanising, two refugee groups have said.

The Alliance Of Chin Refugees and Beyond Borders also said the system could be open to abuse, given the vague explanations for the purpose of the card, which will be used to “carry out other matters” as stated by Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

The Tracking Refugees Information System (TRIS) announced by Hamzah on July 23 should have gone through consultations with refugee groups before being approved, the groups founders, James Bawi Thang Bik of the Chin refugees and Mahi Ramakrishnan of Beyond Borders said.

“The government’s approval of TRIS is invasive, dehumanising and open to abuse.

“The Malaysian government has always been adamant about tracking the whereabouts of refugees, one of the most persecuted people globally.

“We therefore hope the government wouldn’t use punitive technology to rob refugees off their right to seek asylum or live with dignity,” the groups said in a statement.

Hamzah, when announcing TRIS, said UNHCR cardholders must register with the system, which will be used to identify their whereabouts.

“TRIS can also ensure whether they are living in our country for employment or to carry out other matters,” Hamzah said, adding that TRIS had been in trials for several years.

Its implementation has been handed over to a company, which includes data of all refugees, including the location of their residence.

“What are the ‘other matters’? The protection of refugees has been fashioned out to be about securitisation.

“As such this is worrying, given the arrest and detention of refugees during immigration raids, not to mention being arrested by the police even if they have valid UN cards.”

They said that Malaysia has yet to show any commitment to international laws or humanitarian principles governing the protection of refugees.

“As such this system will only add to the risk factors they face in the country.

“Refugees will become easy targets for arrests, detention and even deportation despite Malaysia being bound by the non-refoulement principle.”

TTRIS would also further control freedom of movement of refugees, who are already afraid of being stopped by authorities, and this will severely hamper their livelihoods as well.

“As Hamzah has hinted that registering with this system is compulsory, we ask that he meets with refugee community leaders and civil society organisations to hear our concerns before proceeding further with this initiative,” the groups said. – July 25, 2022.