WE applaud the announcement made by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob that refugees and stateless individuals are vulnerable populations in the country. The issue was covered during a cabinet committee meeting for the welfare of various groups.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many nations increased border closures, police efforts, checkpoints, company closures and punitive measures to encourage citizens to stay at home and reduce the spread of the virus. These regulations have made life extremely challenging for both documented and undocumented refugees.

For instance, the presence of undocumented migrants sparked significant public resentment during the pandemic, with some Malaysians blaming them for spreading the virus and burdening government resources. This resulted in large-scale immigration raids carried out in Kuala Lumpur, where thousands of refugees and migrants reside. These individuals were being held in detention centres in preparation for deportation to their country of origin. The mass arrest and raids increased the feelings of fear in the refugee community.

Structural inadequacies, lack of safety nets and cultural differences have all contributed to the suffering of these individuals and their families. To make matters worst, friction between state authorities and refugees has created justifiable fears emanating from a deep distrust of authorities.

Therefore, including refugees and stateless individuals as vulnerable groups’ enables these individuals to access protection and assistance services that they require in all aspects of their lives. It is crucial to remember that refugees are not inherently vulnerable nor do they lack resilience and agency. Rather, vulnerability to human rights violations is the result of the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, inequality and structural and societal dynamics that lead to diminished and unequal enjoyment of rights. Hence, we must look at the concept of vulnerability through the lens of intersectionality as this approach may result in better and more efficient public policy.

We applaud the prime minister’s decision to expand the membership of the committee to include representatives from civil societies that coordinate the protection of these groups as this will lead to greater representation and voices from individuals on the ground in addressing the plight of refugees and stateless individuals.

All in all, we hope that the government will increase efforts to protect and advance the rights of refugees and stateless individuals in Malaysia. This includes providing them with access to decent work, education and basic healthcare; in line with our commitment to support and implement the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Access to these basic fundamental rights is essential to restoring human dignity and freedom, building resilience, enabling the fulfilment of one’s right to private life and a family and attaining durable solutions. – August 4, 2022.

* Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon is a research and advocacy analyst at Bait al-Amanah. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.