THE Malaysian Human Rights Commission has urged Putrajaya to revise its policies to protect refugees and accord them rights as asylum seekers.

Suhakam said a new framework to address refugee issues is needed, especially now as more Palestinians are fleeing war at home and seeking refuge in Malaysia.

The commission said there are already sizeable Palestinian refugee communities in the Klang Valley who lack access to education and face challenging procedural requirements.

It said Malaysia should reevaluate existing policies and devise strategies that include amendments to employment laws and the immigration act to accommodate refugees, allowing them to contribute to society while upholding their dignity and rights,” the statement read.

“The development of a comprehensive and robust framework is needed to better handle the influx of refugees, particularly those fleeing Palestine and other war-torn regions. 

“It is essential for Malaysia to formulate strategies and policies that take into account our humanitarian duty, national interests, and the principle of non-refoulement under international human rights laws,” it said in a statement today.

“The framework should ensure refugees’ access to rights and essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment,” it added. 

Suhakam also highlighted the principle of non-refoulement, which ensures that no one should be sent back to a country where they would face persecution, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, or punishment and other irreparable harm.

The commission pointed out one issue affecting the refugees who have completed their studies in Malaysia. 

“We need clear guidelines on whether they must leave the country after graduation and the conditions for re-entry. 

“For instance, in higher education, the requirement for refugee students to return to their home country before switching to other Malaysian higher institutions should be removed. 

“In other words, new policies should enable, create bridges, not hurdles, for positive improvements.” – November 8, 2023.