Myanmar Migrants Returned to War-Torn Nation From Malaysia
Rights groups and the United Nations questioned whether the returns were voluntary and safe as Malaysia prepared a second group of more than 3,500 migrants.
- On Sunday, three Myanmar Navy ships docked at the Thanlyin naval base, returning 1,476 migrants from Malaysia after departing Tuesday under an opaque repatriation scheme. The vessels arrived just before 7:30 am.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim initiated the repatriations to return 5,000 individuals, claiming migrants "imposed a significant financial burden on the nation." Malaysia plans to return a second group of more than 3,500 migrants soon.
- More than 100,000 people have died in Myanmar's civil war, prompting the United Nations to warn that safe homecomings cannot be guaranteed. Rights monitors fear persecuted Rohingya are among the returned group.
- Malaysia insists returnees agreed to voluntary repatriation, yet the UN refugee agency reported this past week staff were not allowed to confirm decisions "were genuinely free and informed." Fortify Rights specialist Yap Lay Sheng warned, "There's no telling how the regime would treat returnees."
- Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to visit Malaysia soon to discuss the scheme, while state television broadcast footage of returnees wearing T-shirts saying: "Happy voyage back to motherland.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Over 1,000 Myanmar Migrants Return From Malaysia Amid Safety Concerns
Nearly 1,500 Myanmar migrants from Malaysia returned to their war-ravaged home country on Sunday under an opaque repatriation scheme that rights monitors say cannot assure their safety. Dozens of migrants were transported on buses to a Buddhist monastery hall for immigration and health checks, AFP journalists saw, after the returnees arrived by Myanmar Navy ships […]
Nearly 1,500 Myanmar migrants returned to their country from Malaysia on Sunday in a controversial repatriation program as the country's civil war continues to rage. Three Myanmar Navy ships, carrying 1,476 migrants, docked at Myanmar's Thanlyin naval base shortly before 7:30 a.m. ... More www.ertnews.gr
PETALING JAYA: Three Myanmar naval ships carrying 1,476 citizens detained in Malaysia are expected to dock in the country tomorrow. Myanmar news portal, Popular News Journal reported that the three ships departed from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Lumut Base, Perak on September 29 and entered Myanmar waters on September 1.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
