Suhakam warns of international law violation over refugee repatriation

PETALING JAYA, Oct 1, 2026, The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called on the government to immediately stop further repatriation of Myanmar refugees, warning that the move violates international law and exposes vulnerable groups to grave risks.

Malaysia began the first phase of its repatriation programme on Tuesday, sending 1,476 Myanmar nationals, including 27 children, aboard three naval vessels. Another 3,524 are scheduled to be returned in the second phase. The government insists the refugees volunteered to go home, but Suhakam questioned whether their decisions were made freely and with full knowledge of conditions in Myanmar.

Suhakam warns

“Malaysia is prohibited by international law from repatriating any refugee or asylum seeker to Myanmar if there is a reasonable risk that their life or freedom will be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Any violation of this cardinal principle is a violation of international law,” Suhakam said in a statement.

The commission urged independent authorities such as the UN refugee agency to assess each case, stressing that refugee children must be given particular protection. “No child should be returned to danger. Their safety, dignity and best interests must come first,” it added.

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